An interesting little snippet by Marian Salzman, a A globally recognized Trendspotter from across the pond. As we all know, whatever happens over there will eventually catch on over here in the UK.

Page 54: See the PDF on Marians website.

It is official, Andrew Wilcox has announced in a tweet that this year’s Shed of the Year is officially launched next week and some more #shedlove!
 
This unique competition sponsored by Cuprinol  will now be on its tenth year. Submissions were opened 22nd December last year.
 
Every year Shed of the Year is getting bigger and better according to Andrew Wilcox. Last year’s record breaking 2,520 entries, most entries since its conception, shows that statement to be both true and even prophetic. The number of entries last year was a huge jump from a handful of entries in 2007 that was won by sheddie Tony with his Roman inspired shed, something that he built after admiring a ruined temple at the Chelsea Flower show.

Thousands of old-time and newbie sheddies should be excited to get in the competition as it opens again this year with categories for every garden shed possible.
 
There are eight shed categories that a sheddie can join in. This year’s categories are “unexpected” which replaced the “normal” category where what’s inside the shed will be the last thing you would expect to find, eco, cabin/summerhouse, workshop/studios where the category garden office was merged in, unique shed which include the Tardis category for the Dr. Who fanatics, historic, budget, both categories were introduced last year and finally the pub which is extended to pub & entertainment so that the whole family can join in the fun.
 
The winner will be awarded £1000 in cash and £100 worth of Cuprinol products along with a wooden trophy that the winner can display in their shed. Now that’s something that you can brag about to your guests and visitors.
 
The variety of entries are so diverse and the judges are given a run for their money as every year, the competition gets stiffer. Last year, a pixie, a pirate, chopper, starliner diner, an owl house, an eco dome, WW2 gun turrets, a train, tree house, railway city, observatory and a boat all got in the competition and were shortlisted to be finalists. In the end, Walter Micklethwait from Aviemore in Scotland took home the beacon and the prize as he and his Inshriach Distillery won the favor of the people and the judges and was crowned Shed of the Year for 2015.
 
Looking at the diversity of the theme of these garden sheds, it shows that anyone with the creativity (or the quirkiness) to make something eye catching to something bizarre can get a chance to be shortlisted in the competition.
 
There is also no discrimination on what material you are using. If you’re using upcycled materials, the judges are readily amazed at the innovation because upcycling is a great way to showcase the sheddie’s creativity whilst showing concern for the environment.

It is good to note that majority of the winners including last year’s winner used upcycled materials which added to the overall appeal of the shed that they built. Maybe that is something that an aspiring Shed of the Year winner should look out for.
 
But of course, using upcycled materials is not all that is needed to win in the competition. There are other factors that may contribute to your victory. We never know what the determining factor this year will be, it could be anything, really. But most of all, the sheddie must showcase that British passion for wooden sheds.
 
The garden shed has been innovated. From a four-walled dark room, it has evolved into all shapes and sizes and the contents inside developed as well from garden tools to the most interesting of all interests and hobbies. So be as quirky, wild, bizarre, surprising, unique, and creative as you can with your shed and let the inner sheddie out!

The weird and wonderful all on one show, take a look at some Amazing shed ideas and designs. Hosted by the great George Clarke with Judges: the lovely Laura Clark, the talented William Hardie, the amazing Max McMurdo, the king of sheds and head sheddie Andrew Wilcox (Uncle Wilco) and last years winner... the creative and holder of the crown Joel Bird.  The first of a 4 part series starts on Channel 4, Sunday 21st June 2015 at 8pm.

A short documentary by Sarah Peake. The Ecocene Revolution is the beginning of a new social movement, where changes in perception towards the economy, the environment and personal happiness are leading individuals and organisations in the search for a more fulfilling and sustainable future.

Kate Raworth - Economist
Zac Goldsmith MP
Nic Marks - TED
Mark Burton - TinyHouseUK
Sir Tim Smit KBE - The Eden Project
Zoe Morrison - Eco Thrifty living
Freshwinds Camping
Falmouth University

All over the US, people of all walks and ages are starting to down size and dwell in a Tiny House. However, it is not that easy to find a place to settle down and call home, they have the same planning problems. In this case, two women in Orlando have rented a plot on a mobile home park! Good idea, another idea would be farmers, club together and buy a plot of land to site a few tiny houses! Its not impossible if you put your mind to it.

Most think the problem with homeless is money, well not necessarily.
In a lot of cases it is just permission! If you drive around the streets (in and out of towns) you will find loads of small pockets of land which are unused, this unused land can go to great use to site micro homes for people who just cant afford to rent a room let a loan buy a property.
This short video outlines the homeless issue in the US and it just goes to show.... it doesn't need much to start solving problems for people.