The ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan has motivated them to explore cleaner, safer forms of energy. The Mitsui Group has decided to invest in solar power plants that have the capacity to support 30,000 households. The project is expected to cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars.

The plan is still in the works, but this is a good sign for the energy of Japan’s future. Prime Minister Naoto Kan has promised to create an energy efficient society by increasing renewable energy to 20 percent by 2020. This is a step in the right direction for a country where nuclear power has been thriving. Other organizations taking initiative include The Green Power Certificate Program that aims at the greening of household energy.

Keep an eye out for these developing projects in Japan that will create new jobs and cleaner energy for the country.

via: ipsnews.net and solardaily.com.

By stacking 3 cargo containers you can create a nifty, small-footprint domicile. This three story, conceptual home was designed for an artist by the design firm M2ATK. First floor is envisioned as the living area and kitchen, second floor is the bedroom and the top floor is the studio where all the free-wheeling, creative stuff happens. The home is both easily constructed and moved.

Related: more green architecture

• The tropical arachnid was last spotted browsing in the cheese section…Spider Shuts Down German Supermarket – the local
• This is a mess…EPA Continues Monitoring Cleanup Efforts of Yellowstone River Oil Spill – yahoo! news
• Sometimes man and nature just can’t get along…13.7-Foot Crocodile Captured in Philippines, Suspected in Fisherman’s Death – huff post
• Votes for cash must stop…‘Clean-up Bid’ Tops Agenda for Whaling Commission – bbc
• Carbon tax get kick-start…Australia’s CO2 Plan Puts Carbon Pricing Back on Track – reuters

We’ve all heard of this idea of living off-grid, but what kind of person would be interested in living in this way? A number different people turn to living off the grid for varying reasons:  Off-grid living can be motivated by anything from a general distrust of the government and corporate monopolies, to a sheer desire to quit the rat race we call modern living. As it turns out, one of the biggest reason why so many people start living off the grid is to lower their personal impact on the environment.

Some feel that the best way they can preserve the environment is to forego using public utilities like power, gas and water.
This may result in going without, what many would call, the “basic necessities” of life. Living off-grid could include buying a plot of land and building a house that is not connected to public utilities in any way. It also may not be necessary to go as far as building a house, as many people have used campers, trailers or pre-fab units for off-grid living. (more…)

The sounds of summer -  make listening to your favorite summer tunes a greener, more sustainable experience.

Designed for high performance – these PVC-free earbuds with microphones offer sound isolation, blocking 90% of ambient noise – and the solid wood acoustic chambers deliver richer sound than their plastic counterparts. They’re nicely handcrafted and sourced from sustainably sourced walnut, bamboo and natural cherry. $49.99

available @ versaudio.com

As parents, we sometimes forget about the simple ways of being green. Sure, we need to be cautious about all the toxic images, chemicals and ideas out there. Before we became conscious of the ills we had to watch out for, there were things our parents used to do that were quite green, mostly because they were frugal, too!

A common outing for moms and kids is the bookstore, where you’re bound to walk out the door with something new in hand. What happened to the library? There are so many great resources at the library. You can borrow DVD’s and CD’s. It’s a great place to find out about events going on in the community.

The best part though is that you teach your kids to use and return.

Pick up a book about recycling at your local library and you have a two-pronged approach to “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Used books stores are another great alternative because you can often sell them back for credit when you’re done with them. (more…)

• Haven’t we seen this before? Angry at Exxon, Montana Uses Own Spill Center – msnbc
• Use of food crops as fuel source isn’t the answer…Climate Impact Threatens Biodiesel Future in EU – reuters
• Is that all it stretches?Naked Yoga Stretches Self-Esteem, But is it Healthy? – livescience
• Don’t they have lobbyists down under?Australia PM Warns Polluters’ Their Days Are Over – yahoo! news
• Student Brain Power Turns Exercise Into Electricity – npr
• Giant prehistoric sea monster…Dorset Pliosaur: ‘Most Fearsome Predator’ Unveiled – bbc

Related: previously on altCon – eco news

Today’s edited collection of sustainable style includes well priced, well made threads and accessories from today and yesteryear, featuring some great deals and great design.

Alysia Melnikov and her Blue Hour Designs handcrafted these striking geometric Arcadian earrings (above) from recycled sterling silver. The designer takes pride in designing unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry using eco-conscious fabricating practices. $40

For the cyclist in the family – the funky organic cotton tees pictured above are hand screen printed by alternative t-shirt designers Dark Cycle Clothing. They offer lots of styles and out-there prints for both boys and gals. $21

Our good friends at EarthLover are featuring these oversized Retroactif totes which are made from tough, recycled mesh banners. Perfect for hauling around all your summer paraphernalia. $26

Go casually chic and comfortable in this Harem Jumpsuit - love the cowl neck and pockets – a blend of rayon from sustainable bamboo, organic cotton, and a tiny bit of Spandex for stretchability. A super steal, reduced from $84 to now $28.99 at eco emporium, Gaiam.

On the forefront of sustainable style, NYC-based Meiling Chen creates elegantly modern looks with hints of her Taiwan heritage. Snag her unique pieces online or in eco boutiques, listed on her website.

Make a splash. Straight from the 1940s, evoke classic bombshell chic and please Mother Earth in this vintage one-piece from Adore Vintage. Add shades, heels, hat, sunscreen and a cocktail. $168

Related: previously on altCon, more eco fashion

Farm Aid has announced its lineup of artists who’ll participate in its 2011 concert, scheduled for August 13 at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. The concert has been raising funds to keep American family farms operating and promoting family farm food since 1985.

Jason Mraz, Jamey Johnson, Jakob Dylan, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Will Dailey & the Rivals, Robert Francis, Pegi Young & the Survivors, Rebecca Pidgeon, Billy Joe Shaver and John Trudell will all join Farm Aid board members and mainstays Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews at Farm Aid 2011.  (more…)