tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288278432024-03-12T17:04:19.766+01:00R3projectSustainable <strong>R</strong>enovation project of a flat in Barcelona, <br>
based on the 5 <strong>R</strong>s of eco design:<br> <br>Reuse | Reduce | Recycle | Restore | Respect.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-11188282383055242862013-07-29T17:58:00.000+02:002015-07-10T10:33:22.880+02:00From the R3project to yök Casa + Cultura<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7mizXD3gfRab9PvcUzRf2f09z0-I0KqZApIloX9qf8ReI68xbYhdun9xhX_w2qL1JupROAi2D0INF3OI7fJAoNCHlUiFWOVrOcsojSG7Sb1g01Uxyq6pKZStVtF_IMnKzMrP/s1600/yok-Casa-ABC-multi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7mizXD3gfRab9PvcUzRf2f09z0-I0KqZApIloX9qf8ReI68xbYhdun9xhX_w2qL1JupROAi2D0INF3OI7fJAoNCHlUiFWOVrOcsojSG7Sb1g01Uxyq6pKZStVtF_IMnKzMrP/s320/yok-Casa-ABC-multi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After many months of playing with the idea, we finally took the plunge! Since 2012 we have been connecting dots and people and are pretty close to launching our new project: <b>yök Casa + Cultura</b>. yök is a project that combines eco-friendly lodging and the true culture of Barcelona into a unique new business idea, that has unfolded from the R3project. Please visit <a href="http://www.helloyok.com/">www.helloyok.com</a> for more information.</div>
Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-7852192312198514672011-05-17T17:22:00.000+02:002011-05-17T11:20:35.609+02:00The R3project has come to an endHi! You reached the R3project web site, a blog about how to adapt urban housing to a green lifestyle. It is the diary of an ecological renovation of an old apartment in the heart of Barcelona, and a guide to a more responsible way of living. <br /><br />This blog had been growing with our flat, ripening with the experience and evolving with the participation of our readers. Between 2006 and 2010 we published our step by step eco-renovation. The work is now finished, and so is the blog but we hope you can still get inspired by the result and find useful information for your home.<br /><br />Feel free to scroll through the 5 Rs of ecodesign or visit each room by reading the round-ups in the left sidebar. We also appreciate any comments and hope you share your knowledge and thoughts about eco-friendly urban living.<br /><br />For current projects by eco designer Petz Scholtus, please visit <a href="http://www.pokodesign.com">Pöko Design</a>.<br /><br /><object width="853" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DydvMaS6Cmg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DydvMaS6Cmg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="853" height="505"></embed></object>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-63232856351189059062011-05-17T11:10:00.002+02:002011-05-17T11:21:04.115+02:00*faircompanies visited the R3projectThanks Kirsten for <a href="TrashKEA home design: trash + IKEA + design = eco-cheap chic">a wonderful report</a>!<br /><br /><iframe width="853" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I1PNDuv6kvY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-30766110307934649652010-02-23T18:08:00.001+01:002010-10-25T10:01:22.575+02:00Open R3project - Oct 29 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVtgMipFPocjLFHUxULLFQTerD_Qxp0j348Gtgdiuq-5q89R_HHvtyxJ37-gjl4bdIvMCgU45ZcvT-oVJsKpJBMWbt-Oe4xbwaK0WBqo_pD85B2f0cAKav9qgdsQ5y9MkWqSX/s1600/OPEN-R3PROJECT-after-flyer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVtgMipFPocjLFHUxULLFQTerD_Qxp0j348Gtgdiuq-5q89R_HHvtyxJ37-gjl4bdIvMCgU45ZcvT-oVJsKpJBMWbt-Oe4xbwaK0WBqo_pD85B2f0cAKav9qgdsQ5y9MkWqSX/s400/OPEN-R3PROJECT-after-flyer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531890091857859410" /></a>As part of the <a href="http://www.barcelonadesignweek.com/">Barcelona Design Week</a>, we are participating in the Design Circuit, and opening the R3project (which houses the <a href="http://www.pokodesign.com/">Pöko Design</a> Studio) to show and sell eco-friendly products and interior design. Together with <a href="http://www.matteriashop.com/">Matteria</a> (good design + smart materials) and <a href="http://www.evohegarnacha.com/">Evohé organic wine</a>, we would like to show you around, so come and visit us on october 22nd, between 16h-20h.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Flyer designed by <a href="http://www.myowldeer.com/ernestvidal/">Ernest Vidal</a>.</span>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-49537599471923108282010-01-27T16:57:00.005+01:002010-01-29T10:37:56.852+01:00R3project round-up 7: the Balcony<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjmGiO_x0fTxZSWVZDFki6xpJJtdgWltU10g0KA9JXGfFSMBHJS_BcugHkxAeFWQlIIPp9Y7cRya880u0kZ851_LaJOK_u4ZyPqTT-ZrMg4pzu4szC14CrlAFybNi6YZbRfEn/s1600-h/R3project-compost-urban-garden.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjmGiO_x0fTxZSWVZDFki6xpJJtdgWltU10g0KA9JXGfFSMBHJS_BcugHkxAeFWQlIIPp9Y7cRya880u0kZ851_LaJOK_u4ZyPqTT-ZrMg4pzu4szC14CrlAFybNi6YZbRfEn/s400/R3project-compost-urban-garden.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431450821522551682" /></a><br />Although we don’t have much of it, living in the Centre of Barcelona, we love our outdoor space. Our apartment has 3 small Barcelona-style balconies, that just about fir some flowerpots, a compost bin and a washing line.<br /><br />No matter how little space you have, you can always grow some of your own herbs and spices, and even vegetables on windowsills, balconies or terraces if you don’t have a garden. We really like the <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/07/green-tasty-balcony-with-leopoldo.html">Leopoldo Urban Vegetable Garden</a> for it’s slick and practical design. Used indoors and outdoors, with wheels and available in different sizes, the Leopoldo is the perfect alternative to your standard ceramic pots and fits even into small spaces. We have managed to grow anything from parsley to basil, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, chillies and strawberries. <br /><br /> One of the most important features of the R3project is the <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-harvest-worm-compost.html">Can-O-Worms compost bin</a>. We can’t get over the fact that thousands of worms on our balcony turn all our organic scraps from the kitchen and our plants into nutritious compost that we then use as fertiliser for the plants. <br /><br />We had this worm composter for over a year and half now, and had had no bad surprises. Worms and homeowners are happy. And you would be surprised how much organic waste we recycle, since we ordered <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/06/eat-local-it-is-better-for-you-and.html">the organic vegetable box by Recapte</a>. Every 3 to 4 months we get to collect some 8 kilos of fresh compost. Read here about <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/08/weve-got-worms-on-balcony.html">how to install a Can-O-Worms (with video)</a> and here about <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-harvest-worm-compost.html">our first compost harvest</a>. <br /><br />Quite common in Barcelona, although not so<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/drying-for-freedom-clotheslines-video.php"> in the United States where in some places they have even been banned</a>, drying lines are the most eco-friendly way to dry your clothes. No energy is needed, no machinery, and the clothes end up smelling fresh.<br /><br />Then, on sunny days, we take out <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/06/soul-solar-oven-available-for-rull3.html">our solar oven we made in a workshop by Fundació Terra</a>, and cook some delicious biscuits or hot bananas with melted chocolate…Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-82911104249231417572010-01-20T19:08:00.001+01:002010-01-26T19:27:53.032+01:00R3project round-up 6: the Bathroom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL__l2afs3w6hCEsMnBH0fDmw4R42RyqB6iTWTXhPGeiOXq42O1MRfMBD9B1dBLlKkDNlp-6ZQlvqjtAvRhsEvT839vF20ag7RSqo5zI4Z3ompc6mj0e31Gjm7paFU658H9eG/s1600-h/R3project-bathroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL__l2afs3w6hCEsMnBH0fDmw4R42RyqB6iTWTXhPGeiOXq42O1MRfMBD9B1dBLlKkDNlp-6ZQlvqjtAvRhsEvT839vF20ag7RSqo5zI4Z3ompc6mj0e31Gjm7paFU658H9eG/s400/R3project-bathroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431112230131945010" /></a><br />As you can guess, in the bathroom it is most of all about water, and using as less as possible of it. Our <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/03/taps-tools-to-save-water.html">showerhead and the tap of the sink have low-flow faucet aerators</a> that mix the water with air. That way less water is used but you still get the effect of a full shower. The aerators are easy to install, and only cost around 3€, while saving up to 50% water! We believe it’s a must for all taps. <br /><br />Toilets are also using quite a lot of water. We find it easiest to reduce the water consumption at this end by regulating manually how much water we need each time to flush. Our Stop Flush system by Roca, let’s you decide how much water you need each time; the first flush starts letting water down the toilet bowl and the second flush stops it. If you happen to forget or your guests don’t know this system, it simply stops after a full flush of 12 litres. Read about <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/03/taps-tools-to-save-water.html">other options for water-saving flushing devices here</a>.<br /><br />The next things to keep in mind are the materials you use in the bathroom. Because of the contact with water and a higher humidity level in the air, natural materials are not always recommended for bathrooms. We decided to use the same<a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/12/choosing-tiles.html"> locally produced tiles</a> as in the kitchen, only in red instead of white and green. The walls around the bathtub and the sink are covered with recycled plastic slate tiles, also a Spanish product. You can read about this experiment <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/01/recycled-plastic-slate-in-bathroom.html">here</a> and <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/09/how-to-apply-ziclas-recycled-plastic.html">here</a>. <br /><br />The bathtub was actually in the apartment when we started the renovation, and despite a few scratched that could easily be fixed, it was in perfect shape. It was however not easy to convince the workmen to use this old tub instead of buying a brand new one, even if they are cheap. Bathtubs and sinks create a lot of waste when they are thrown out, often only because of a change in fashion, and not becasue they are broken. That is why we decided to get <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/05/kalahari-our-bathroom-sink.html">the sink Kalahari by Roca</a>, a locally produced sink, made of much less material than most other designs.<br /><br />We are also avoiding the use of PVC, so the alternative to a shower curtain was <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/06/no-to-pvc-yes-to-glass-in-bath.html">a simple glass sheet</a>: long lasting and easily recyclable. Mirrors are not especially eco-friendly objects, so the best thing you can do is <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/11/save-resources-go-second-hand.html">get a second hand one</a>. Last but not least, we keep our bathroom clean with some eco-cleaning action. <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/08/green-cleaning-for-healthier-home-and.html">Click here for some recipes for eco-friendly cleaning products</a> you can make your self- and that work!<br /><br />If you want to know more about the R3project, you can read the round-ups of <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/10/r3project-round-up-2-kitchen.html">kitchen</a>, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/11/r3project-round-up-3-living-room.html">living-room</a>, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2010/01/r3project-round-up-5-office.html">office</a>, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/12/r3project-round-up-4-bedroom.html">bedroom</a> and <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/09/r3project-round-up-1-general.html">general installations</a>.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-59556465166019294182010-01-09T13:54:00.000+01:002010-01-25T18:10:16.559+01:00R3project round-up 5: the Office<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvLeRw2Vr6UWGXdynEyxD3EwyEZdqPfVfU8a4aRXprFV0HlWk9IH0xi4BWBy83RbZZRolBVkxCsCTA96-eO0XwoRwNIerRIgk3wI6wpJA0jqFO_5Gz7MaUy2IWBa4CGi7gQK-/s1600-h/R3project+office.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvLeRw2Vr6UWGXdynEyxD3EwyEZdqPfVfU8a4aRXprFV0HlWk9IH0xi4BWBy83RbZZRolBVkxCsCTA96-eO0XwoRwNIerRIgk3wI6wpJA0jqFO_5Gz7MaUy2IWBa4CGi7gQK-/s400/R3project+office.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425129818298416194" /></a><br />The next room in our tour around the R3project is the studio, or office. Here we were able to restore the original floor tiles as they were in a much better shape as those in the rest of the flat, where we put down a <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/02/walking-on-cork.html">cork floor</a> and <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/12/choosing-tiles.html">locally produced tiles</a>. The proudest piece of furniture in the studio is no doubt <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/04/think-like-our-office-chair.html">the Steelcase Think chair</a>, a masterpiece of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_to_Cradle">Cradle to Cradle</a> design, fully recyclable and very comfortable. We constructed the desk from a big piece of plastic and trestles we salvaged from the trash after a trade fair. The <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/02/wooden-board-upon-wall-who-is-greenest.html">built-in cupboard is made from chipboard</a> and has a wooden Venetian blind to close it. The ceiling lamp is a variation of our<a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/01/bidon-lamp.html"> Bidon Lamp</a>, made from a used jerry can. To not loose the overview, we use strips of natural cork to pin whatever projects we are working on.<br /><br />Of the smaller gadgets we like the <a href="http://www.voltaicsystems.com/">Voltaic solar bag</a> which we use to charge our mobile phones and other small electronic objects. Of course we only use 100% recycled paper in our printer, and go to <a href="http://www.cartridgeworld.es/">Cartridge World</a> to have the cartridges refilled instead of buying new ones. This saves us money and waste. <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/8b70/">The stapless stapler</a> is also a cool thing that every eco-conscious office should have. It staples sheets of paper together without staplers; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcT9LW3WhDU">watch a video of how it works here</a>. This eliminates the metal staples that don’t do well in the paper recycling process.<br /><br />For more ideas, check out <a href="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/green-work/">the Planet Green Guide "How to be Green at Work"</a>.<br /><br />Also check out the R3project round-ups for <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/10/r3project-round-up-2-kitchen.html">kitchen</a>, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/12/r3project-round-up-4-bedroom.html">bedroom</a>, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/11/r3project-round-up-3-living-room.html">living room</a> and <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/09/r3project-round-up-1-general.html">general installations</a> around the apartment.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-78551834736380867402009-12-08T10:21:00.001+01:002009-12-21T10:55:06.111+01:00R3project round-up 4: the Bedroom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL2eYqwY34Xmeaq4UZXbn_AMR0xl5OqRphdHPYFYhqI_BzLz5RrkmZnvFI6LUkVVvPvsRXwbFvwCqs0II6qyLtIPDKQQbgyYyhkv0JIbeundPQ8LqMQsPYvahwRuXMSIycckZ/s1600-h/R3+bedroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL2eYqwY34Xmeaq4UZXbn_AMR0xl5OqRphdHPYFYhqI_BzLz5RrkmZnvFI6LUkVVvPvsRXwbFvwCqs0II6qyLtIPDKQQbgyYyhkv0JIbeundPQ8LqMQsPYvahwRuXMSIycckZ/s400/R3+bedroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403551666041653714" /></a><br /><br />We listed everything we did in order to live a more sustainable lifestyle <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/09/r3project-round-up-1-general.html">around the house</a>, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/10/r3project-round-up-2-kitchen.html">the kitchen</a> and <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/11/r3project-round-up-3-living-room.html">the living room</a>, so this week we concentrate on the bedroom.<br /><br />Because it is the place we probably spend most hours in, a third of your life they say, it is important for us to keep it free of toxins. Like for all the walls in the apartment, we used <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/04/real-eco-oils-paints.html">non-toxic, eco-friendly paints</a> in the bedroom too. The floor is also the same as in the rest of the home; <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/02/walking-on-cork.html">natural cork by Wicanders</a>.<br /><br />When it comes to furniture, all we have in the bedroom is the bed and a wardrobe. The bed is one we still had from previous places we lived in, so no need to throw it out. If you need to get a new bed though, look for <a href="http://www.fsc.org/">FSC-certified wood</a> for the frame and a non-toxic mattress.<br /><br />The same goes for pillows. A lot of pillows are made from synthetic materials and often derive from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that is also extremely flammable; not exactly what you want to sleep on. In order for pillows not to be flammable, they are treated with brominated fire retardants, that have been proven to cause liver, thyroid, and neurodevelopmental toxicity. Another thing to watch out for with pillows is the allergies they might cause due to the house mites they can accommodate. We opted for natural latex pillows, but check out <a href="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/rest-your-head-on-a-greener-pillow.html">Planet Green’s guide to pillows</a> for other eco-friendly and healthy options.<br /><br />The wardrobe our carpenter Rodrigo crafted is made from <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/02/wooden-board-upon-wall-who-is-greenest.html">OSB, an engineered wood that contains very little resin</a>. You should still watch out that the resin it contains, generally under 5%, is not formaldehyde. If you are wondering what the humps on the outside of the wardrobe are; they are StuffBumps. The StuffBump, designed by Petz Scholtus and Graham Hill, is an eco-friendly storage solution, made in the prison of Barcelona. More information on <a href="http://www.pokodesign.com/products/stuffbump/">Pöko Design / StuffBump</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8koSSZD3uvWxD9m5BgsYYu22xHV1W_EQ4HaRYpQc1c_3uIJthfiTN2jqdyXzSnOv0jL6TcGqwekILRD-jfY5RyNMJmqyteXnojV58DnQPNVn1WP1pZ0ht24XRXrVHnqBNdh75/s1600-h/Stuffbump3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8koSSZD3uvWxD9m5BgsYYu22xHV1W_EQ4HaRYpQc1c_3uIJthfiTN2jqdyXzSnOv0jL6TcGqwekILRD-jfY5RyNMJmqyteXnojV58DnQPNVn1WP1pZ0ht24XRXrVHnqBNdh75/s400/Stuffbump3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403551087720348850" /></a><br /><br />As far as textiles are concerned, bed linen, curtains, etc., organic cotton is probably the most eco-friendly and also the best available option. <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/08/green-basics-organic-cotton.php">TreeHugger</a> explains: <blockquote>Organic cotton is the version of its conventional counterpart grown without pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals, and that makes it hugely different, especially considering that cotton (organic or otherwise) provides about half of all the world's fiber needs. Conventional cotton is one of the most chemically-dependent crops, sucking up 10 percent of all agricultural chemicals and 25 percent of insecticides on 3 percent of our arable land; that's more than any other crop per unit. […] 20,000 deaths occur each year from pesticide poisoning in developing countries, many of these from cotton farming, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).</blockquote><br />Last but not least, use low energy light bulbs for your bedside table lamp and ceiling light. If you are interested in other products for the bedroom, check out <a href="http://www.matteriashop.com/index.php?cPath=21_24">Matteria’s good+smart textile section</a>. To know more about how to detox your bedroom, go to <a href="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/detox-bedroom.html">Planet Green’s Detox Your Home: Bedroom</a>.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-30619279099522888952009-11-05T10:47:00.001+01:002009-11-05T16:56:49.392+01:00R3project round-up 3: the Living Room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pokodesign.com/images/R3project-salon.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="http://www.pokodesign.com/images/R3project-salon.gif" border="0" /></a><br />After <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/09/r3project-round-up-1-general.html">the general eco installations around the home</a>, and, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/10/r3project-round-up-2-kitchen.html">how to green your kitchen</a>, this week we will concentrate on our living room, a place for resting, eating, and sharing with guests. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Walk on it</span><br />The first thing most people notice when stepping into our living room is the rather unusual <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/02/walking-on-cork.html">cork floor</a>. We have had it now for almost 3 years and are still very pleased with it. The first meter in front of the entrance door is a coconut fibre carpet to wipe shoes of when entering. It’s fully biodegradable and made from a renewable material. Shoes go into the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/es/es/catalog/products/30110832<br />">TRONES</a> shoe cupboard units by IKEA, made from Polypropylene, a 100% easily recyclable and very durable plastic. In winter, we then slip into some <a href="http://www.matteriashop.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_61&products_id=84">snugly felt slippers</a> made from 100% wool, available at <a href="http://www.matteriashop.com/">Matteria</a>. Our feet also like the <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/09/good-rugs-by-nani-marquina.html">Nani Marquina rug</a> in front of the sofa, made from 100% renewable and biodegradable materials. These beautiful rugs are ethically produced in Nepal, Pakistan or India. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Have a seat</span><br />For the R3project, we like to use reclaimed objects, as long as they look good, and we like it recycled as long as the quality is up for it. So in our living room you can have a seat in one of the <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/06/eco-furniture-to-sit-on.html">second hand armchairs</a>, or get really comfortable in the <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/10/waste-our-recycled-pouf.html">WASTE pouf</a>, made from recycled textile from the car industry. The latter is also locally produced, giving work to women in social reintegration centres. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Second time around</span><br />Seats are not the only objects that had another life before entering the R3project. From our glass dinner table, to mirrors and ceiling lamps, we managed to hunt down quite a few <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/11/save-resources-go-second-hand.htm">cool second hand products</a>. There is also an old car tire mould that had been transformed into <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/03/recycled-car-tire-as-flower-pot.html">a curious looking flowerpot</a>, and not to forget the <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/01/bidon-lamp.html">Bidon Lamp</a>, made from a used jerry can (and easy to make yourself). <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Better storage is more space</span><br />To make use of a space right in front of the kitchen, we built the <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/08/never-empty-shelf-fsc-of-course.html">‘Never-Empty Shelf’</a> out of FSC-certified MDF (although later we got hold of some OSB which we prefer to MDF because it contains less resin).<br /><br />All in all, we like objects made from few and easily identifiable materials, to ensure that they can either be industrially recycled or returned to the earth at the end of their lives. We also care about choosing products that last longer, both technically and emotionally, and it is important to us to know where they come from and who made them. Last but not least, we love stuff made from a recycled material, as long as the design, the quality or the cost have not been compromised.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-40129206622446419152009-10-12T10:25:00.001+02:002009-10-12T23:45:27.037+02:00R3project round-up 2: the Kitchen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhTAV1ESBYYI0rN-6HzGD6LW7FUQFi6QGH8RotQdm38oaBEbtzdyfT3Rb5q7it0CeRqAn76z5467xD1TkQY1rB2Xnf7oSWKArPDbMS_lBn6_t0c2fhJIGRC2aMJVJGN0OEWZJ/s1600/R3project-recycled-kitchen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhTAV1ESBYYI0rN-6HzGD6LW7FUQFi6QGH8RotQdm38oaBEbtzdyfT3Rb5q7it0CeRqAn76z5467xD1TkQY1rB2Xnf7oSWKArPDbMS_lBn6_t0c2fhJIGRC2aMJVJGN0OEWZJ/s1600/R3project-recycled-kitchen.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our kitchen is an open one, and forms part of the living room, because we like to cook with our friends around.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">KITCHEN FLOOR</span><br />The kitchen area is defined by a change of flooring. <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/02/walking-on-cork.html">The cork floor</a> of the rest of the apartment gives way to <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/12/choosing-tiles.html">funky green and white tiles</a>. We tried hard to find some local tiles made from recycled TV screens, but because the company went bust, we decided on some local colourful tiles by TAU Ceramics, whose effort towards sustainability we appreciate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FURNITURE & STORAGE</span><br />The <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/05/kitchen-cupboards-made-from-recycled.html">kitchen cupboards are made from recycled wooden wine boxes</a>, carefully assembled by our amazing carpenter Rodrigo Diaz. The countertop is solid FSC-certified, untreated wood from IKEA. The same goes for the central piece of furniture called <a href="http://www.ikea.com/es/es/catalog/products/80035920">FÖRHÖJA</a> that serves as storage and extra work surface. As a storage solution for the upper parts, we chose <a href="http://www.ikea.com/es/es/catalog/products/00011428">GRUNDTAL</a>, fully recyclable stainless steel shelves from which you can also hang things like pots and pans. We prefer this system to cupboards for both aesthetic and practical reason, plus they are made from a minimum amount of materials.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WATER USAGE</span><br />As far as saving water is concerned, we installed <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/03/taps-tools-to-save-water.html">a very special low-flow tab by Tehsa</a>. We are still trying to fit in a dishwasher, as “the dishwasher uses only half the energy, one-sixth of the water, and less soap, to boot”, according to one study at the University of Bonn in Germany. However, as you can read in <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/01/built-in-dishwasher-vs-hand-washing-which-greener.php">'dishwasher versus hand washing' on TreeHugger</a>, the situation is not as black and white. We are also looking for a water filter to drink the currently not very nice tasting water from the tab and stop buying plastic bottles. This has turned out to be a difficult mission, any tips are appreciated!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ELECTRICITY USAGE</span><br />We also try to use as less energy as possible. CFL lights illuminate our kitchen, and all the necessary electric appliances such as the fridge, oven and cooking surface, are A+ energy efficient.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE FOOD</span><br />Of course you can’t have a kitchen without the food. Our fresh produce comes in a box every 2 weeks: 10 kg of <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/06/eat-local-it-is-better-for-you-and.html">locally grown, non-chemically treated vegetables and fruit from Recapte</a>. All leftovers are fed to <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-harvest-worm-compost.html">the worms in our compost bin on the balcony</a>. To serve ourselves meals, we use <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/07/recyclable-glass-dinner-plates.html">fully recyclable glass plates</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CLEANING PRODUCTS</span><br />Last but not least, we like to clean green. Most of <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/08/green-cleaning-for-healthier-home-and.html">our eco cleaning products</a> are mixed together in the kitchen, or at least stored under the sink.<br /><br />More:<br /><a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/09/r3project-round-up-1-general.html">R3project round-up 1: General Installations at Home</a><br /><a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/10/r3project-round-up-2-kitchen.html">R3project round-up 2: the Kitchen</a>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-41459721698071723282009-09-29T16:07:00.001+02:002009-10-12T23:46:32.015+02:00R3project round-up 1: General Installations Around the House.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIVfQxyUXXZmvp3Ssz5VVXene5vcASw7BoWOcBK9WBrRmSklJAtwgV06n6mETFMmTSexUHjZLL1yPh8OAR7dRdRG-uNxtTIUHD2Z88HpW7eTXxwHzpRfh9P6-Nxr3IWms91zq/s1600-h/R3project-round-up1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIVfQxyUXXZmvp3Ssz5VVXene5vcASw7BoWOcBK9WBrRmSklJAtwgV06n6mETFMmTSexUHjZLL1yPh8OAR7dRdRG-uNxtTIUHD2Z88HpW7eTXxwHzpRfh9P6-Nxr3IWms91zq/s400/R3project-round-up1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386936216574550338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The R3project is almost complete; the renovation of the apartment is finished and we are living in it with our worms on the balcony, recycling and saving on energy and water wherever we can, without loosing comfort or style. In the following months we will finish this blog with a few round-up posts to give a better overview of the sustainable design solutions we applied to our apartment. This article is about the general installations around the house. The next ones will include the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, office and balcony. We hope you enjoy it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MOVING HOUSE</span><br />The general stuff around the house are mostly things you cannot see any more, but that play an important role when it comes to sustainable living. We started the R3project off with <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/06/eco-move.html">an eco-move</a>, where we brought our stuff into the new apartment <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/05/moving-house-without-co2.html">without emitting CO2</a>. How? With a bicycle and a little help from our friends, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/08/tv3-ecomove-video-online-now.html">watch the video here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">GETTING AN ETHICAL MORTGAGE</span><br />The month before the move, we were shopping for mortgages, and <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/05/big-day-for-triodos-big-day-for-us.html">managed to get a loan with the ethical banc Triodos Bank</a>. They guarantee that they only give money to ecological, social or ethical projects. We like that!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RECYCLING DEBRIS</span><br />Next we had to get rid of a few sacks of debris, and found out that <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/06/dispoing-of-debris-for-recycling.html">Sacos Marones recycle the debris</a>. It’s a great service widely available in Spain.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WATER INSTALLATION</span><br />In order to avoid PVC in our home, we had to look harder to find recyclable plastic pipes for the grey water installation. In the end we used <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/11/aquatherm-pvc-free-piping-system.html">the tubing system by AquaTherm</a>, which is easy to install with ordinary tools, and, copper pipes for the fresh water and heating installation. <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/01/jaga-low-h20-radiators-to-heat-our-home.html">The Jaga radiators we chose are ‘low H2O’</a>, which means they also need less energy to run (because there is less water to heat). To heat our water we use <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/12/condensing-boiler-for-hot-water.html">a condensation gas boiler</a>. What we really recommend, even without undergoing a full renovation, are <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/03/taps-tools-to-save-water.html">low-flow faucet aerator</a>. They cost around 3€ and save you up to 50% water. Depending on what flushing system your toilet has, you can also save a lot of water. We opted for a ‘<a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/03/taps-tools-to-save-water.html">Stop Flush system</a>’.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ELECTRIC INSTALLATION</span><br />Just like for the water pipes, we managed to find PVC-free plastic tubes for the electricity. We used <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/10/theres-light-at-end-of-tunnel-and.html">recyclable corrugated polypropylene tubes that are also organochloride and halogen free</a>. Connected to the end of those are of course CLF lightbulbs and A-efficient electric appliances. We even managed to find <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/10/plugs-and-switches-wood-and-plastic.html">eco-friendly plugs made form recyclable plastic, and light switches, made in Spain from certified wood</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PAINTS AND WOOD FINISHES</span><br />Our walls are painted with zero-VOC paint, and the wooden beams and balcony doors are treated with <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/04/real-eco-oils-paints.html">ecological and natural oils</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">INSULATION</span><br />In order to keep heating costs down and keep the apartment cool without installing air conditioning, we made sure the place is completely insulated. <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/03/double-glazing-nuts-bolts-of-any-eco.html">Double-glazing</a> was a must, and <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/02/walking-on-cork.html">the cork floor</a> an extra bonus to both thermally and acoustically insulate the apartment.<br /><br />More:<br /><a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/09/r3project-round-up-1-general.html">R3project round-up 1: General Installations at Home</a><br /><a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/10/r3project-round-up-2-kitchen.html">R3project round-up 2: the Kitchen</a>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-18005596854477418802009-08-27T13:05:00.001+02:002009-08-27T19:44:24.750+02:00Green Cleaning for a Healthier Home and Planet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXBkbprhJ9skysSvqLpfQ1VWOH8qBKwAyiNI1iB3p0qOLqM9fnyG5hjtXte4CQ-ae780liI-pFxWUlbWwDuG0iEuqYOk1jf4H_3BRFrjYXxuJxBmV0N5cvi6xN0PWDfMIWFgY/s1600-h/R3project-eco-cleaning-prod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXBkbprhJ9skysSvqLpfQ1VWOH8qBKwAyiNI1iB3p0qOLqM9fnyG5hjtXte4CQ-ae780liI-pFxWUlbWwDuG0iEuqYOk1jf4H_3BRFrjYXxuJxBmV0N5cvi6xN0PWDfMIWFgY/s400/R3project-eco-cleaning-prod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373918890385458642" border="0" /></a><br />We don’t like cleaning, but we like it when it’s clean; healthy clean that is. So at the R3project, we clean with as little toxins as possible. Here is how and what with:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Floor Cleaning</span><br /><br />We vacuum the rug and hard floor if necessary, and then swipe the cork floor with a slightly moist mop. If you have serious stains, add some vinegar or eucalyptus oil, which disinfects and leaves a nice smell behind.<br /><br />To get the smell out of a carpet, sprinkle it with baking soda, let sit 30 minutes and vacuum.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Windows and Mirrors</span><br /><br />Vinegar does the trick! Fill half a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and fill up with water. Spray onto the glass and mirrors and wipe off with old newspaper; it works!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">All-Purpose-Cleaner</span><br /><br />A good all-purpose-cleaner is 45 ml of baking soda and 1 litre of warm water mixed in a spray bottle or bucket.<br /><br />Alternatively, if you prefer to buy green cleaning products, there are more and more brands on the markets, although not many are available in Spain yet. However, <a href="http://www.ecoveritas.es/">Veritas</a> sells a few brands amongst which <a href="http://www.ecover.com/">Ecover</a>.<br /><br />For greasy surfaces, try the local product, <a href="http://www.khlloreda.com/idioma/eng/productos/kh7_descripcion.html">KH-7</a>, the first grease remover in Europe to bear the European Union Eco-label. It is available in most mainstream supermarkets. Check out the <a href="http://www.eco-label.com/">EU eco-label web site</a> to find more products near you.<br /><br />To wipe surfaces, use old cloth rags instead of kitchen paper; it saves trees and money! <a href="http://www.serveiestacio.com/">Servei Estació</a> has a whole range of eco cleaning products (mops, wiping rags, etc.) with microfibres so you don’t need to add any soap to get the dirt of the surfaces.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Washing Dishes</span><br /><br />Due to lack of space we don’t have a dishwasher, which would save us plenty of work, energy, water and soap. The University of Bonn in Germany compared dishwashing with handwashing:<br /><br />“<span style="font-style: italic;">The Bonn study proves that the dishwasher uses only half the energy and one-sixth of the water, less soap too. Even the most sparing and careful washers could not beat the modern dishwasher.</span>” [via <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/08/dishwasher_vs_h.php">TreeHugger</a>]<br /><br />So until we figure out where to put a dishwasher, we try to use as less water as possible when washing-up, filling the sink rather than washing under the running tap, and we use a biodegradable soap available at Veritas.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clothes Washing</span><br /><br />Our <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/03/taps-tools-to-save-water.html">A+ efficient washing machine</a> already saves on water, and until recently we used Ecover washing powder to clean our clothes. A few weeks ago though, we bought an <a href="http://www.robbywash.com/">Robby Wash Laundry Ball</a> at Veritas (25€), an alternative to using washing powder. The ball, which you simply place with the clothes in the washing machine, contains activated macromolecules that are gradually released through the wash, dissolving dried-in stains by generating ions, which activate the water molecules. <br /><br />Drying is done on a washing line of course, a right people in Spain still have, unlike in the US! Watch the video <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/drying-for-freedom-clotheslines-video.php">Drying for Freedom</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Indoor air</span><br /><br />We don’t really like fragrant air, but instead prefer to ventilate the house well. For those of you who like friendly aromas in your home, try boiling cinnamon, cloves, lavender or any other herbs you like, instead of air fresheners. Indoor plants (such as Peace Lilies or any other green leaved plants) also help to purify the air, without giving off a smell.<br /><br /><br />If you are confused about ingredients of the detergents available in your supermarket, use <a href="http://www.seventhgeneration.com/show-whats-inside/cleaning-products-ingredients-guide">Green Generation’s Label Reading Guide</a>, which you can download onto your computer or iPhone. Simply type in an ingredient and it helps you to understand its potential risk to the environment if there is one.<br /><br />For more recipes about how to mix your own cleaners, visit <a href="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/assemble-a-green-cleaning-kit.html">Planet Green, Assemble a Green Cleaning Kit</a>.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-35532653795378575822009-07-31T12:03:00.005+02:002009-08-01T13:12:03.531+02:00Recyclable Glass Dinner Plates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtNOvvvADi-GuyLUSIflPpBrmgJ2Y1lBu7QLwMczkqXmWwgXwLt7yWEfOnLJTwaPbnnveZcTDOMA6F7JfgG2SZDPZSXhyXksraQUdeGvs5-FdzYH_9mPqTqe09-dF4N9nbyWg/s1600-h/IKEA-glass-plate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtNOvvvADi-GuyLUSIflPpBrmgJ2Y1lBu7QLwMczkqXmWwgXwLt7yWEfOnLJTwaPbnnveZcTDOMA6F7JfgG2SZDPZSXhyXksraQUdeGvs5-FdzYH_9mPqTqe09-dF4N9nbyWg/s400/IKEA-glass-plate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364562948984429666" border="0"></a><br /><br />We needed new dinner plates and asked ourselves which ones are the most eco-friendly; Ceramic long-lasting ones? <a href="http://www.matteriashop.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=60">Bamboo ones</a>? Biodegradable throw-away ones that need no water or detergent during their use? <a href="http://designerandfrustratedchef.blogspot.com/2009/01/ephemeral-tableware.html">Edible plates</a>? Recyclable metal ones? <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/11/ecologic-sustainable-tableware.php">Organic fibre ones</a>? Second hand plates? Of course the aesthetics also play an important role at the R3project, and so in the end we decided to look for glass plates: practical, easy to clean, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and fully recyclable.<br /><br />Or are they? In theory yes, but as the <a href="http://www.arc.cat/">Catalan Government’s Recycling Agency</a> explained to us, the only glass that is properly recycled through the green glass containers are bottles and jars, in order to make new ones. Because at the moment the quality of glass coming from plates or drinking glasses cannot be guaranteed to be perfect for recycling, the government recommends giving broken glass objects to <a href="http://www.deixalleries.com/deixalleries.php">the special recycling facilities</a> around town, where it can be recycled correctly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpekglGVGIvHxfSWusce1goCGrBEkUfVGgc8aDAvMBjHh-_nhLFFbIUtXsqWdIXMPkx3QQBahiZ8HsJZb5oiK7B2XMGQcst-7bDvHlpeoVuFDsAKXzePOQbjDCRVhsvocTIiJP/s1600-h/R3project-IKEA-glass-plate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpekglGVGIvHxfSWusce1goCGrBEkUfVGgc8aDAvMBjHh-_nhLFFbIUtXsqWdIXMPkx3QQBahiZ8HsJZb5oiK7B2XMGQcst-7bDvHlpeoVuFDsAKXzePOQbjDCRVhsvocTIiJP/s400/R3project-IKEA-glass-plate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364563013837927026" border="0"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.la-mediterranea.es/">La Mediterranea</a>, a local glass and ceramic factory, even do recycled glass objects under the brand <a href="http://www.la-mediterranea.es/pls/lamediterraneapor/PAGE?P_ID=1876.9858079698776">VIDRECO</a>. We preferred however the more simple design, and lower prices of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/es/es/catalog/products/60063297">IKEA’s glass plates</a>. MOTTO GLASS plates are 24cm in diameter, made form 100% recyclable virgin glass and microwave as well as dishwasher-safe, and only cost 0,60€ each. They come in different colours and with an extra benefit: For those of us who like working and eating at our desk, you can read your notes through the plates as you work on the next article!<br /><br />Also see <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2009/06/no-to-pvc-yes-to-glass-in-bath.html">glass in the shower</a>.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-76941869426625422292009-06-25T16:20:00.007+02:002009-06-25T17:10:31.107+02:00No to PVC, Yes to Glass in the Bath<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8DwPDGcqE_icurMaPfpcViCKwZRs71eoTk23tdiaQYs5dN5UOAHa30yjonL3rTKbJVO0u_fvSULrQXSEfNnxAWM62q3Oqk3k6LFjhB-Q1AAXkSNYfaaGCbhxFgvP7kkmVBF6/s1600-h/R3project-bathroom.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8DwPDGcqE_icurMaPfpcViCKwZRs71eoTk23tdiaQYs5dN5UOAHa30yjonL3rTKbJVO0u_fvSULrQXSEfNnxAWM62q3Oqk3k6LFjhB-Q1AAXkSNYfaaGCbhxFgvP7kkmVBF6/s400/R3project-bathroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351278831971250434" /></a><a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/06/reusing-what-we-have.html">We recycled an old bathtub</a>, but since we normally take showers (less water needed), we needed something to avoid splashbacks. Most shower curtains are made from PVC, a plastic we try to avoid wherever possible due to its negative impact on human health and the environment throughout its entire life cycle, at the factory, in our homes, and in the trash. You can visit <a href="http://www.pvcfree.org/">this PVC-free campaign</a> for more details, or simply read what it is really all about on Catalan designer <a href="http://www.guixe.com/">Martí Guixé</a>’s PVC (!) shower curtain (bottom image).<br /><br />There are of course PVC-free shower curtains on the market (<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/09/qa_non-vinyl_sh.php">non-vinyl</a>, recyclable plastics, natural fibres treated with bees wax…), but we decided to opt for a healthier (some plastics emit an healthy chemicals when heated by the water of the shower, which are then breathed in) and more durable (both fibres and plastics get mouldy) option, a simple glass sheet. Glass is easily recyclable and is even available as already recycled. It is also easy to maintain (spray with vinegar and water and dry with newspaper), doesn’t become mouldy, lasts for a long time and many different designs are available (framed and frame-less). The initial cost might be a little higher than that of a shower curtain, but we believe it is worth it and pays off in the long run.<br /><br />Other eco-friendly solutions in the R3project bathroom are <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/01/recycled-plastic-slate-in-bathroom.html">recycled plastic slate tiles</a>, the <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/03/taps-tools-to-save-water.html">stop-flush toilet and aerators in the tab</a>, the <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/11/save-resources-go-second-hand.html">second hand mirror</a>, the <a href="http://www.r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/05/kalahari-our-bathroom-sink.html">Kalahari sink</a>, <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2006/12/choosing-tiles.html">low impact ceramic floor tiles</a>, CFL light bulbs and white containers made from recyclable plastic (IKEA, see photo above)…<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAZPQNmaUV2euMwSokpI3-KNci0HEZzj5EFi7C8zMOa9mida8w7HMsaonlJKFM1-OPyxkf8klSN8tehLvI12yjs3cpyHjTuJgmOFBCdUoedMd6BPuHbMD3jXU-ToMEGFPgNfR/s1600-h/PVC-shower-curtain-M-Guixe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAZPQNmaUV2euMwSokpI3-KNci0HEZzj5EFi7C8zMOa9mida8w7HMsaonlJKFM1-OPyxkf8klSN8tehLvI12yjs3cpyHjTuJgmOFBCdUoedMd6BPuHbMD3jXU-ToMEGFPgNfR/s400/PVC-shower-curtain-M-Guixe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351282785051565858" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Martí Guixé's "MADE OF PVC" shower curtain.</span>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-81455085101962239662009-05-15T14:43:00.001+02:002009-06-30T11:34:24.613+02:00Kitchen cupboards made from recycled wine boxes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhTAV1ESBYYI0rN-6HzGD6LW7FUQFi6QGH8RotQdm38oaBEbtzdyfT3Rb5q7it0CeRqAn76z5467xD1TkQY1rB2Xnf7oSWKArPDbMS_lBn6_t0c2fhJIGRC2aMJVJGN0OEWZJ/s1600-h/R3project-recycled-kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:10px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhTAV1ESBYYI0rN-6HzGD6LW7FUQFi6QGH8RotQdm38oaBEbtzdyfT3Rb5q7it0CeRqAn76z5467xD1TkQY1rB2Xnf7oSWKArPDbMS_lBn6_t0c2fhJIGRC2aMJVJGN0OEWZJ/s400/R3project-recycled-kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336027054744790610" /></a><br /> <br />You might think it was just an excuse for drinking lots of boxes of nice wine, but this project is all about recycling, restyling and skilled handy work. We recycled old wooden wine boxes and turned them into kitchen cupboard doors. What might look easy actually required very good carpenter skills. We were lucky to have <a href="mailto:rodrigohld@hotmail.com">Rodrigo Díaz</a> make our ideas come true. The doors open with a push system so we didn’t have to add extra handles except for the drawers.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmQ5rJ5Wu4vL6LDHQU4tHjWpixpCbpkGXrzHy8AMMEq8u6Q2r_umgeblfcwTMVhJlUSVcUVkA1lpTmXgczppJZqe3wkAQMXJZ6DFK-uBZz_RKyt5XpM5FkrHfQNwz2NW1sxK-/s1600-h/R3project-recycled-wood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmQ5rJ5Wu4vL6LDHQU4tHjWpixpCbpkGXrzHy8AMMEq8u6Q2r_umgeblfcwTMVhJlUSVcUVkA1lpTmXgczppJZqe3wkAQMXJZ6DFK-uBZz_RKyt5XpM5FkrHfQNwz2NW1sxK-/s400/R3project-recycled-wood.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336027207400328130" /></a><br /><br />Apart from the look of it, we like the fact to have memories embedded into our kitchen. One box for example contained a bottle of organic beer, a gift from <a href="http://www.timtimxtimtim.org/">Hernani and Loida</a>, and another one contained <a href="http://www.olgasasplugas.com/">Olga</a>’s nice wine she decided to open one evening in a tapas place in Barceloneta…<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6at49sabsUyceCAdFNb4k9yBeoUYd8cjiwC1UPfPbmp5ydr4BzQ3GCpTfQElfIXWDUdmFC6OV8LyF__Ex_PnWL4TZZYcd-Sed5CPbfSlmqbEPlUISRXhpnfc9NzaWgi9Kvt8/s1600-h/R3project-recycled-drawers.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6at49sabsUyceCAdFNb4k9yBeoUYd8cjiwC1UPfPbmp5ydr4BzQ3GCpTfQElfIXWDUdmFC6OV8LyF__Ex_PnWL4TZZYcd-Sed5CPbfSlmqbEPlUISRXhpnfc9NzaWgi9Kvt8/s400/R3project-recycled-drawers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336027127841510402" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">How to make furniture from recycled wooden wine boxes</span><br /><br />Once you have taken of the sides of the wooden boxes and removed all the nails, lay them out flat to design the layout. By overlapping and mixing different kinds of wood layout the desired design. Mark the pieces with a pencil and start cutting. To give the doors the necessary structure, nail them on to a 8mm wooden board. Cut out the shape of the doors, attach the hinges and install them. If the wood from the boxes isn’t varnished already, we recommend you add a layer or two of for example <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/04/real-eco-oils-paints.html">Livos eco oil</a> so that possible fingerprints from cooking can easily be removed.<br /><br />The countertop is from IKEA. We chose <a href="http://www.ikea.com/es/es/catalog/products/10123675">NUMERÄR</a>: solid wood from a certified source.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-57399076824770808432009-05-14T14:50:00.000+02:002009-05-15T14:52:45.044+02:00The R3project on TV, "Medi Ambient" Program by TV3Here is <a href="http://www.tv3.cat/videos/1215829/Petz-Scholtus-lecodisseny-a-casa">the video and interview</a> Xavier Duran and his team did for their program "<a href="http://www.tv3.cat/pprogrames/elmediambient/meaSeccio.jsp">Medi Ambient</a>" (environment) for TV3. Thank you for the visit!<br /><br /><object width="320" height="277" id="SVP1215829IE"><param name="movie" value="http://www.tv3.cat/svp2/svp2.swf"></param><param name="scale" value="noscale"></param><param name="align" value="tl"></param><param name="swliveconnect" value="true"></param><param name="menu" value="true"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="FlashVars" value="VIDEO_ID=1215829&FD=1215829&WIDTH=320&HEIGHT=240&USE_LINK_TOCONTEXT=true"></param><embed width="320" height="277" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.tv3.cat/svp2/svp2.swf" id="SVP1215829" scale="noscale" name="SVP1215829" salign="tl" swliveconnect="true" menu="true" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" FlashVars="VIDEO_ID=1215829&FD=1215829&WIDTH=320&HEIGHT=240&USE_LINK_TOCONTEXT=true" ></embed></object>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-8652916615393878232009-04-20T17:23:00.000+02:002009-04-20T17:46:09.220+02:00How to harvest worm-compost<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pokodesign.com/R3project/R3project%20compost%20harvest.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 357px;" src="http://www.pokodesign.com/R3project/R3project%20compost%20harvest.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325640328508274466"/></a>Since <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/08/weve-got-worms-on-balcony.html">we installed the Can-O-Worms vermicomposting bin on our balcony</a> in August 2008, we have had 2 harvests. The first one in January this year (so after 6 months but it can take up to 12 months), resulting in 8 kilos of natural worm compost (worm castings) that served us as fertiliser for the plants. The second harvest took less time (less than 3 months) as by then the worms and other organisms had reproduced, which helped speed up the composting process. So our second harvest took place in March and resulted in 9 kilos of compost.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Here is how you harvest the worm-compost:</span><br /><br />Recycling your organic waste with the Can-O-Worms is easy: start by feeding the worms with food leftovers and plant clippings in the first tray, and when it fills up, start adding a second tray on top of the first one. Once you filled the second tray, add the third and last tray to the urban compost bin. When this last tray is full up <span style="font-weight:bold;">[1]</span>, it’s time to harvest your first natural, home-made compost. <br /><br />It is amazing to see that when you extract the bottom tray <span style="font-weight:bold;">[2]</span>, what before has been pieces of vegetable, eggshell, etc. has been converted into brown, homogeneous compost, similar to coffee ground <span style="font-weight:bold;">[3]</span>. The worms have moved from one tray to another, leaving behind mature compost to feed on the fresh organic waste. <br /><br />So take the matured compost out of the bottom tray and add the compost to your plants or save it for future needs. Then, simply add that empty tray to the top, add a bit of compost and worms and start adding food scraps like before <span style="font-weight:bold;">[4]</span>. It is a cyclic process where you simply keep adding the empty tray to the top. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Here some additional tips:</span><br /><br />• Always make sure to fill up the trays enough so that the top of the food scraps touches the tray above so that the worms can migrate later on to the one above (they are not good at jumping).<br /><br />• Don’t feed the worms any meat; they are vegetarians and would explode if they ate any meat!<br /><br />• If your compost is too humid, add bits of paper or shaving from untreated wood.<br /><br />• To avoid attracting fruit flies, always cover the new leftovers with matured compost from the same tray.<br /><br />Although you might think you produce a lot of organic waste, we were surprised to see the compost absorb ALL our kitchen waste; 2 people eating regularly at home, with at least 5 kilos a week of organic vegetables from <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/06/eat-local-it-is-better-for-you-and.html">Recapte, our local vegetable box service</a>. The reason why we don’t end up with masses of compost is because most of the kitchen waste consists of water and is released through the tap of the Can-O-Worms, which serves as liquid fertiliser. That way the volume of the waste is reduced by 70% in the compost bin. We have been using the compost as fertiliser for our 20 pot plants but if you really produce too much, make a friend or neighbour with plants happy by giving the compost away.<br /><br />For more information about vermicomposting, check out our previous article and video about <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2008/08/weve-got-worms-on-balcony.html">how to get started with the Can-O-Worms</a>. And in case you wonder about the lion head behind the Can-O-Worms; it is a protective cover to shield the worms from too much sun and rain, made from a recycled advertisement banner from Barcelona’s Zoo.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-79973610123262959742009-03-12T13:53:00.003+01:002009-03-12T14:01:49.415+01:00Recycled Car Tire as Flower Pot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97gvhUtQk2AMyaQat6gifGS_ndYyGbUW5LONofBCMRB5jmk3SAHuovzNnMgBlFO7ysWOLss4_TPkzO7v0UgipdXTHfP-7Iu0V7eEMWH8NTCZuDwys2pG_pLyCBFvzNNT1sw1-/s1600-h/petz_scholtus10.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97gvhUtQk2AMyaQat6gifGS_ndYyGbUW5LONofBCMRB5jmk3SAHuovzNnMgBlFO7ysWOLss4_TPkzO7v0UgipdXTHfP-7Iu0V7eEMWH8NTCZuDwys2pG_pLyCBFvzNNT1sw1-/s400/petz_scholtus10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312282244236235698" /></a>We like plants and although we have little space for them, we manage to fill up the balconies with greenery, such as our <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/07/green-tasty-balcony-with-leopoldo.html">urban vegetable garden by Leopoldo</a>. For our <a href="http://www.plant-care.com/kentia-palm.html">Kentia</a> in the living room, we found these cool flower pots made from recycled tires. <br /><br />The pots are flexible and shock-absorbent which makes them particularly suitable for children playgrounds. The black round pots come with holes in the bottom for water drainage and are very durable. They have been designed by Catalan designer <a href="http://www.h2o.es/prensa/claret.html">Curro Claret</a> and are locally produced by Zicla, where our <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/01/recycled-plastic-slate-in-bathroom.html">recycled bathroom tiles</a> are from. The flower pots cost 25€ and the smallest size is 30 litres; 20 cm high and 40 cm diameters. More information on <a href="http://www.zicla.com/esp/prodapli.php?cat_id=36&metacat_id=8">zicla.com</a>. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Photo by <a href="http://www.buonamici.com/">Stefano Buonamici</a>.</span>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-382721776599820272009-03-12T12:59:00.003+01:002009-03-12T13:04:08.541+01:00The R3project in the NYTimes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg6eFp_QRLkiM6raA3ELNyZ8SyHo4J0yjvIAZUKv0YTTnPfo0VZNdUU7R_A9QE2TkIm_QMZ3nBMIfviT2GDt7x818TwIb5e5rzojEvo1kk6Cy94uyOstYDrpdcEFN_4i9swoa/s1600-h/R3project+NYTimes.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg6eFp_QRLkiM6raA3ELNyZ8SyHo4J0yjvIAZUKv0YTTnPfo0VZNdUU7R_A9QE2TkIm_QMZ3nBMIfviT2GDt7x818TwIb5e5rzojEvo1kk6Cy94uyOstYDrpdcEFN_4i9swoa/s400/R3project+NYTimes.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312268612797187410" /></a>Last week the NYTimes did a report on the R3project.<br />Some weeks ago, writer Penelope Green visited us for a 3-hour interview, the result of which you can read in her <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/garden/05barcelona.html?_r=1">article "Carbon Neutral on a Shoestring" in the NYTimes</a>. Here you can also see the photos <a href="http://www.buonamici.com/">Stefano Buonamici</a> took of our home.<br /><br />A big thank you to both for this fantastic report!Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-91129975790172767402009-02-09T17:32:00.002+01:002009-02-09T17:37:29.547+01:00Visit of the Cabaret Elèctric, an interview with CatRadio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AiYoNicRjohv2BOSoK7__JjguZWB-7ruYWQ_3atL7Udp0Qprw8zY1uTXBPKEChqg85aFxjXBeRFD31eDrdTcTmyEKlnV-c2nrQqH1hVL-lF5ujPcJAkdL5Ha3C_iRH9ImzUV/s1600-h/icat.fm-Petz-Scholtus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AiYoNicRjohv2BOSoK7__JjguZWB-7ruYWQ_3atL7Udp0Qprw8zY1uTXBPKEChqg85aFxjXBeRFD31eDrdTcTmyEKlnV-c2nrQqH1hVL-lF5ujPcJAkdL5Ha3C_iRH9ImzUV/s400/icat.fm-Petz-Scholtus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300835491134637362" border="0" /></a><br />Last week I visited the <a href="http://www.catradio.cat/pcatradio/crItem.jsp?seccio=programa&idint=941">Cabaret Elèctric of CatRadio</a>, which was a whole new experience with microphones, huge headphones, and a live web cam in the glass cube of the studio on Diagonal. We had a nice <a href="http://www.catradio.cat/reproductor/audio.htm?ID=310339">chat Txell Bonet and I</a>, which you can listen to <a href="http://www.catradio.cat/reproductor/audio.htm?ID=310339">here</a> (in Catalan and Spanish).Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-81921969418080690742009-01-25T19:38:00.011+01:002009-02-27T17:36:20.492+01:00The Bidon Lamp<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVIA81M_ty-x9ltb28zY0oEpeI0jusp7fQhatPdTjQZxrGrcPNYXWoaKH7zoJ8tf2T_fB_y35rggWttvyverZx16HL-HJGk2y02lqSjnkLzu-Nhc6tJAyd8T1HBcDe7X0UBpG/s1600-h/R3-Bidon-Lamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVIA81M_ty-x9ltb28zY0oEpeI0jusp7fQhatPdTjQZxrGrcPNYXWoaKH7zoJ8tf2T_fB_y35rggWttvyverZx16HL-HJGk2y02lqSjnkLzu-Nhc6tJAyd8T1HBcDe7X0UBpG/s400/R3-Bidon-Lamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295311541081902386" border="0" /></a><br />You have probably seen <span style="font-weight: bold;">the Bidon Lamp</span> (“bidón” meaning “barrel” or “can” in Spanish) in photos and videos of the R3project. Here is how you can make your own.<br /><br />You need:<br /><br />-a used translucent plastic container<br />-a CFL bulb<br />-a bulb fitting with plug<br />-a sharp Stanley knife<br /><br />In Barcelona, you can easily find these vessels near the plastic recycling containers or unfortunately just dumped in the streets. They are normally made from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDPE">HDPE</a> (High-density polyethylene), a recyclable plastic (number 2 recycling symbol) but we prefer to reuse it as a lamp before recycling it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EkhRDzgPtfl3qu1WgYJq9y4zxF_XSXp94pxVFVjskt8bAo5dKu8sWxSqqL0PhLdALzI8L2a1u4ZoeecZv3Bca_kMunp1zSs683Pbnhe4-60AKrQlLr8dDXdWQlvO7AJbYYYf/s1600-h/R3-Bidon-Lamp-instructions.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EkhRDzgPtfl3qu1WgYJq9y4zxF_XSXp94pxVFVjskt8bAo5dKu8sWxSqqL0PhLdALzI8L2a1u4ZoeecZv3Bca_kMunp1zSs683Pbnhe4-60AKrQlLr8dDXdWQlvO7AJbYYYf/s400/R3-Bidon-Lamp-instructions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295311648020875506" border="0" /></a><br />First, you need to give it a thorough wash, inside and outside. We recommend you wear gloves as some may have contained toxic products, like photo-chemicals, or just cooking oil.<br /><br />Then you unscrew the lid and mark the diameter of your bulb fitting on the inside of the lid. With a sharp Stanley knife cut out the circle. Then you screw the light fitting to the lid so that the cable is on the outside of it. The energy efficient light bulb is to be screwed on the inside of the lid just before you put it back on. It is important that you use a CFL light bulb because incandescent light bulbs give off too much heat and would cause a hazard with this design. Et voilà, plug in the bulb and enjoy!<br /><br />Here a few different versions of <span style="font-weight: bold;">the Bidon Lamp</span>:<br /><br />As a ceiling lamp:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtV5Zvrlt5BsjwyOce4q4QL7qC2zlQEXoeI-aBc11SU3DU88N8xa-2Xy6MhosNteBA1MJ5K8rEayqTJ-pckZvKvwvaQ8moRf3sZapLkmuPrvjPFufiOPz2SfXMgl_OX4h3gx6/s1600-h/R3-bidon-ceiling-lamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtV5Zvrlt5BsjwyOce4q4QL7qC2zlQEXoeI-aBc11SU3DU88N8xa-2Xy6MhosNteBA1MJ5K8rEayqTJ-pckZvKvwvaQ8moRf3sZapLkmuPrvjPFufiOPz2SfXMgl_OX4h3gx6/s400/R3-bidon-ceiling-lamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295311824014692706" border="0" /></a><br />A cut-up wall lamp:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1emXQdM0RJXvZk8fCTP-E9PtkV589tFr-b6tHu4dL3KwoD_Z1KrfkW-BxoN15Ce9ShIfxkwRjHzN5fIEYooPf1qpes2dX74hmTh8jtlHXKwuGU9jKDFTvMZkMqWbCo-Kv3hXn/s1600-h/R3-bidon-wall-lamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1emXQdM0RJXvZk8fCTP-E9PtkV589tFr-b6tHu4dL3KwoD_Z1KrfkW-BxoN15Ce9ShIfxkwRjHzN5fIEYooPf1qpes2dX74hmTh8jtlHXKwuGU9jKDFTvMZkMqWbCo-Kv3hXn/s400/R3-bidon-wall-lamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295312121877784242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As a seat…<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-27bC-vMv132P_XwadbOfwLnVxRjjwuW9-7G1La9xG57k8yQ-Ag7FWcuiW_RqxPNF2UV2xbZ5J6-I6_vYfoQHrgyr1wB4SwziUCIynCGL7mjjykbqlqIzlbG65Ej2ebaBFCw9/s1600-h/R3-bidon-lamp-chair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-27bC-vMv132P_XwadbOfwLnVxRjjwuW9-7G1La9xG57k8yQ-Ag7FWcuiW_RqxPNF2UV2xbZ5J6-I6_vYfoQHrgyr1wB4SwziUCIynCGL7mjjykbqlqIzlbG65Ej2ebaBFCw9/s400/R3-bidon-lamp-chair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295311977016522610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />The Bidon Lamp</span> has been designed by Petz Scholtus, but is open source design, for all of you who like DIY. <br /><br />Petz likes to thank Julien Gressier, her ex-flatmate when she used to live in London, who made a similar lamp back then that was used as stool or low table depending on what was needed.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-33880768964018389202008-12-23T13:57:00.007+01:002009-01-25T21:44:40.878+01:00A new look and Happy 2009 from the R3project<p style="text-align: center;"> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ALSSTSwl8qY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ALSSTSwl8qY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><br />We have changed our look just in time to enter 2009, and we hope you like it. Thank you for being with us throughout 2008, we would like to wish you a Happy New Year. May it be a good one for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_bottom_line">people, planet and profit</a>!<br />(If you like the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALSSTSwl8qY">Happy 2009 video</a>, please send it on to your friends.)Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-4318231209382733212008-12-20T15:09:00.003+01:002008-12-20T15:15:48.418+01:00R3project on TV3 Silenci?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ9-OXwcKNAXbHEofCvNfwbuD9JakgLm-0pmyKR8A5FE2K71KWPvTQXZg9Ajlzw6U99d7eO2YCOLbsGwDhzAUmh8gfVUKwlxZKmGelUnHHOOg6RISdSeg8u-T8lVIdguK-Y-9/s1600-h/Silenci-R3project.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZ9-OXwcKNAXbHEofCvNfwbuD9JakgLm-0pmyKR8A5FE2K71KWPvTQXZg9Ajlzw6U99d7eO2YCOLbsGwDhzAUmh8gfVUKwlxZKmGelUnHHOOg6RISdSeg8u-T8lVIdguK-Y-9/s400/Silenci-R3project.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281837405813268802" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.tv3.cat/programa/123465979/Silenci">Silenci? from TV3</a> visited us, now that our apartment is (almost) done. You can see the flat with its worms and everything after the interview in the episode <a href="http://www.tv3.cat/videos/893969/Lecodissenyadora-Petz-Scholtus">eco designer Petz Scholtus</a> (in Catalan and Spanish). Thank you Ramón and Oscar, and congratulations for the program and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL9HVoeR1Xc">the book about Silenci?</a>. Let's see what you will do next, now that Silenci? is no more...<br /><br /><a href="http://r3project-castellano.blogspot.com/2007/01/silenci-interiorismo-en-tv3.html">R3project in Silenci? Part 1 (January 2007)</a><br /><a href="http://www.tv3.cat/videos/893969/Lecodissenyadora-Petz-Scholtus">R3project in Silenci? Part 2 (December 2008)</a>Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-50592794124395036452008-11-23T17:02:00.008+01:002008-11-24T16:37:33.588+01:00Save Resources – Go Second HandSome objects just don’t have a very eco-friendly alternative, like mirrors for example, which are difficult to recycle, especially if we are talking about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upcycle">upcycling</a> rather than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downcycling">downcycling</a> (see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_to_Cradle:_Remaking_the_Way_We_Make_Things">Cradle to Cradle</a>). Using second hand objects saves them from becoming obsolete and ending up as landfill, and, saves new resources and energy from being used to make new objects. Recycling processes can be pretty energy intense (manufacturing, transport, etc.), so why not use what already exists. We should therefore focus on re-usability, rather than recycling whenever possible. And re-use can be fun (as well as inexpensive) too; we found some very nice objects in second hand shops, have a look:<br /><br />Second-hand 60ies <span style="font-weight:bold;">bathroom mirror</span>, found in Gracia, Barcelona, 25€.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4w9O35GEJjy2AGRQxeSyLyZ3TKU4A_gCY_zakHCz6NQMHvssShVqNi4-MIXA5EBN4vdSPBA6x0AjTgB5K0WZBdm_FOrYAGkj3d65SaroE8ZImn-KvI2XGHUK8SR4vM1-gYQ6/s1600-h/R3-REUSE-bathroom-mirror.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4w9O35GEJjy2AGRQxeSyLyZ3TKU4A_gCY_zakHCz6NQMHvssShVqNi4-MIXA5EBN4vdSPBA6x0AjTgB5K0WZBdm_FOrYAGkj3d65SaroE8ZImn-KvI2XGHUK8SR4vM1-gYQ6/s400/R3-REUSE-bathroom-mirror.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271886693269077218" /></a><br /><br />Original <a href="http://www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/menu/turist/inspiration/detkulturelledanmark/design/the-ph-lamp.htm">PH lamp by Poul Henningsen</a> (1894-1967), found in Copenhagen, Denmark, 35€<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig20pmYWBshvAsJUkPFRyhFbRj5NW8UlKtN8K1tWZTjJq3L-L5fnIV-8jRX6h5Losr0bvdrB2B-1e-wmC6oz__sLEDMFbG4c_yZGgJIj6oGU9Z8HkUrFW72q0rIzu2geDTQt4G/s1600-h/R3-REUSE-PH-lamp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig20pmYWBshvAsJUkPFRyhFbRj5NW8UlKtN8K1tWZTjJq3L-L5fnIV-8jRX6h5Losr0bvdrB2B-1e-wmC6oz__sLEDMFbG4c_yZGgJIj6oGU9Z8HkUrFW72q0rIzu2geDTQt4G/s400/R3-REUSE-PH-lamp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271886799431355890" /></a><br /><br />Second hand <span style="font-weight:bold;">lamp</span>, found in Copenhagen, Denmark, 25€<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8WO4mS-SoNhZfv0h_L2wAwoaDK5QkBX-LzSpWZBPFjeaUQpxqOH15q1CQbtBCqLUTlJqFxN94TmJqQyh2sYLW47b-M32Yn45dCu4aNR6TNP2GDvuR-SMm1mpXmhk7EaPQZLN/s1600-h/R3-REUSE-lamp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8WO4mS-SoNhZfv0h_L2wAwoaDK5QkBX-LzSpWZBPFjeaUQpxqOH15q1CQbtBCqLUTlJqFxN94TmJqQyh2sYLW47b-M32Yn45dCu4aNR6TNP2GDvuR-SMm1mpXmhk7EaPQZLN/s400/R3-REUSE-lamp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271886571625949442" /></a><br /><br />Second hand <span style="font-weight:bold;">rocking chair</span> found in the street in Barcelona, coated with recycled newspaper, 0€<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs69BCmx9iUAksI87yzWrYter5cuAt-6XI9KG4NMmXArruzZOy-JgMHGFnDp0jNVhbrBo9qAb0xx3Q5wwORZ9xFLkiVb9VEBgRag7d3iLIvxbTewSqkZASRkeJW72Xr5NBg82n/s1600-h/R3-REUSE-chair-&-mirror.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs69BCmx9iUAksI87yzWrYter5cuAt-6XI9KG4NMmXArruzZOy-JgMHGFnDp0jNVhbrBo9qAb0xx3Q5wwORZ9xFLkiVb9VEBgRag7d3iLIvxbTewSqkZASRkeJW72Xr5NBg82n/s400/R3-REUSE-chair-&-mirror.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271886216619499442" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Massive mirror</span>, found in the street of Barcelona, re-used as sliding door, 0€ (image above)<br /><br />You just have to be patient and keep your eyes open until the right object for you comes along. Have a look at <a href="http://www.barcelonaforever.org">Barcelona Forever</a>, a recycling interior design installation by Mette Bak Andersen.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827843.post-1483362722201655242008-09-30T12:00:00.000+02:002008-09-30T13:08:44.592+02:00Good Rugs by Nani Marquina<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1VHUczzO05uiqOlmiAAgunC1os7UPJRE4U1_HM3FSTLbbf8ioGXTVftIT41txVH1OAf-SpcptXMVqzxpI4xHNRVizS7Sn5NwtLgVGlVFSGVtvxzcDNqxNzYpNZYjWV856FI4/s1600-h/R3project-NMarquina-rug.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1VHUczzO05uiqOlmiAAgunC1os7UPJRE4U1_HM3FSTLbbf8ioGXTVftIT41txVH1OAf-SpcptXMVqzxpI4xHNRVizS7Sn5NwtLgVGlVFSGVtvxzcDNqxNzYpNZYjWV856FI4/s400/R3project-NMarquina-rug.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251769038225464594" border="0" /></a><br />Today, we would like to tell you the story of our rug. It was love at first sight when we saw it at a <a href="http://www2.blogger.com/www.nanimarquina.com">Nani Marquina</a> sample sale in Poblenou some 2 years ago. Its warm, bright yellow colour and its corn-on-the-cob-like texture make a great contrast with <a href="http://r3project-english.blogspot.com/2007/02/walking-on-cork.html">our lush tea-coloured cork floor</a>. But there is much more to this Barcelona-based designer’s rugs than great designs that meet the eye (and toes). What we love about them are 2 more things: the fact that they are fully made from renewable and biodegradable materials, and, the social responsibility the products account for.<br /><br />Nani Marquina rugs, hand-made in India, Nepal or Pakistan, carry the <a href="http://www.care-fair.org/">Care & Fair </a>label, an organisation that since 1995 acts against child labour and helps improve education and health. All the carpets made in India also bear the label of <a href="http://www.kaleen.com/">KALEEN</a>, issued but the council of India to guarantee again that no child labour was employed during carpet production. A great way to link East and West.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq21D5ivpBVArCcpO-syD3y6RymNPvGn-FRzGIaAe2K87krBkRsUvp5U1pz6nIoSTDqtZjLmhSH-sJiaTmTW4tdBYzdRvdq1Y0v01jmgC-eW94cRvM4OjV8yUfy3RLhL1q-8w2/s1600-h/R3project-NMarquina-rug2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq21D5ivpBVArCcpO-syD3y6RymNPvGn-FRzGIaAe2K87krBkRsUvp5U1pz6nIoSTDqtZjLmhSH-sJiaTmTW4tdBYzdRvdq1Y0v01jmgC-eW94cRvM4OjV8yUfy3RLhL1q-8w2/s400/R3project-NMarquina-rug2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251768902560187394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our yellow rug is made from natural materials such as jute or wool, materials that are fully renewable unlike petrol-based materials, and fully biodegradable at the end of their lives. A good way to make sure your rug lasts you a long time is to clean it properly. On Nani Marquina’s web site (under <span style="font-style: italic;">Info</span> > <span style="font-style: italic;">Looking after and cleaning</span>) you have great (and very cute) tips on how to deal with different stains from coffee to wine.<br /><br />You can see more gorgeous designs on the <a href="http://www2.blogger.com/www.nanimarquina.com">Nani Marquina web site</a> and check out where to buy them near you.Petz Scholtushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09440816613011122476noreply@blogger.com1