Queens Botanical Garden Goes Green with EcoHouse and 12x12 Pavilion this Summer

The Queens Botanical Garden is thinking globally, while acting locally. On July 1st, the Flushing nonprofit opened The EcoHouse, an interactive exhibit on energy conservation that will be on display through August 31st. Created by the Community Environmental Center, which provides construction and technical services for green buildings, The EcoHouse demonstrates that people can combine comfort, savings and low greenhouse gas emissions. On July 2nd, QBG launched a community build for the 12×12 Project, an off-the-grid, tiny modular space made with sustainable materials and covered by a rainwater-collecting butterfly roof. As part of the month-long installation, artists will be in residence, engaging patrons in the concepts of community and conscious living. The project stems from World Policy Institute Senior Fellow William Powers, who gave up a luxurious home to live in a 12×12 house and permaculture farm for a season. He chronicled his experience in the 2010 green-living bestseller Twelve by Twelve: A One Room Cabin, Off the Grid & Beyond the American Dream. Details: EcoHouse and 12×12 Project, Queens Botanical Gardens, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, Free with admission, open during regular hours, Tues.-Sun., 8 am to 6 pm.