Do we really think about where our energy comes from every time we flip a switch? Do we really scrutinize over if we need the light we are flipping on or leaving the room without turning off? We all just assume that the electricity is going to be there when we need it (except when we forget to pay our bills – and heck, even then we still expect it!). But our resources are coming to an end or causing adverse effects that are much too great to bare the loss of.
The city of San Jose, California has commissioned different groups of artists in a design for a Climate Clock. The clock will be a site-specific public art piece that will serve as an educational tool about global climate change– while also recording its local effects. The proposals were narrowed from 50 down to three. The finalist groups will have residencies at both the CADRE Laboratory for New Media at San Jose State University and the Montalvo Arts Center in order to develop the designs further. The city of San Jose will then select a winner in mid-2009. Read more…
In Thailand, the Wat Pa Maha Chedio Kaew Temple was built from one million recycled bottles! They “found a way to bottle-up Nervana, literally.” The temple is in Thailand’s Sisaket province, about 370 miles northeast of Bangkok. It was nicknamed, “Wat Lan Kuad”, Temple of Million Bottles. It features glass bottles throughout the entire temple and grounds, including the crematorium, surrounding shelters, and the toilets too! An estimate of 1.5 million recycled bottles are built into the temple and they are continuing to build with more. They have even used the bottle caps as decoration throughout in mosaics and murals!
This bottle collection that turned into a building started in 1984 when the bottles were used as decoration in shelters by the monks. The shiny feature of the glass attracted more people and donations of more bottles until they had enough to build the temple standing today. The bottle bricks don’t fade and let plenty of natural light in, and are surprisingly easy to clean and maintain.
