MNN - Mother Nature Network

Happy almost-2013, MNN readers!

 

Due in part to a string of unfathomable national tragedies involving gun violence, bloody political unrest across the globe, the premature death of perhaps the greatest voice of our generation, and a nasty little storm named Sandy that left yours truly homeless for a spell, 2012 is a year that I’m going to go ahead and file under the “good riddance” and/or “crap” category. That said, it was anything but a crappy year ‘round these parts. It's been an active, encouraging, and often eye-opening 12 months in the world of eco-friendly architecture, design, gardening, renovation, and real estate. And like in years past, there were a few reoccurring trends and themes.

 

I dubbed 2011 as “year of the light bulb” and 2012 wasn’t much different – there was a deluge of lighting-related stories in the latter half of the year, particularly ones about WiFi-enabled LEDs. Landscaping disputes, another popular topic in the past, also (unfortunately) dominated this here blog with several stories concerning front yard gardeners battling local authorities over the right to grow edible plants in areas traditionally reserved for manicured, water-guzzling turf. This was also the year that the micro-apartment movement really took off in a big/small way in several cities across the country including New York and San Francisco. In other housing news, there was certainly no dearth of posts in 2012 about innovative modular homes with two industry heavyweights, Blu Homes and LivingHomes, keeping things truly interesting. And last but not least, this was the year that Swedish mega-retailer IKEA officially began its quest for world domination.

 

But enough with the summarizing — below, I’ve rounded up 2012’s most popular and provocative posts along with a few overlooked gems in the event that you’re interested in taking a misty-eyed trip down memory lane.

 

Finally, I wanted to express a hearty dose of gratitude not only to you, my readers, but all of the eco-minded architects, designers, builders, gardeners, homeowners, planners, business owners, innovators, influencers, game-changers, and Kickstarter entrepreneurs for giving me something to blog about this past year. I couldn’t do it without you. And as always, feel free to drop a line or tweet me with any comments, questions, concerns, and love letters. What stories/trends from 2012 stood out to you? Any personal favorite posts? What would you like to see covered more of in the new year? And please, don't be shy. I'm all ears.

 

 

Tiny aparment garner big attention in Vancouver • Messy yard equals jail time for strapped homeowner • The Loop Isla Vista brings green to UCSB student ghetto  • Potty talk: Would you use recycled brown toilet paper?

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