Changespotting: Trends to keep an eye on

In this Ted talk, Majora Carter identifies local eco-initiatives that have profound impact on their community and as a result can effect global change. They range from bee-keeping to reduce criminal recidivism and wind energy enterprises on mountain-top locations as opposed to hazardous coal-mining.

What do you give the person who has everything? An upgrade. Undoubtedly, many of you received this popular 'out with the old, in with the new' gift for Christmas, whether it be a new mobile, computer, lap-top, MP3 player... the list goes on. What did you do with the old, obsolete technology? Legislation in America has begun a crackdown on e-waste items ending up in the rubbish collection. Look for The Ark, RCN or Remarkit online to find a New Zealand-based recycling solution for your e-waste.

3D printing technology is only going to become more accessible to the masses, and this article looks at some of the potential this entails. You've already figured out that you can avoid the Christmas crowds by shopping online, but with 3D printing - you could download and print your gifts too. No returns though, I'm sure.

This design round-up by Diane Pham looks at some of the predictions being made for 2011 in the world of green design. The minds behind Treehugger.com, Ecofabulous, The Foodprint Project and several others give their two cents on what the future holds for the eco-sphere.