by Emily Smith | Dale Dougherty, co-founder of O’Reilly Media, Maker Faire, and founder of MAKE Magazine was honoured at the White House on November 4th as a “Champion of Change.” The initiative recognizes Americans doing extraordinary things in their communities while facing the challenges of the 21st century. You can listen to the recording and read more about what Dale had to say here.

George Lucas (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) has been spotted knitting at Starbucks. Is it just a matter of time til he reaches Rosey Grier status? I’m looking forward to the book!

Leave it to the Dutch. The microbial home was exhibited at Dutch Design week in The Netherlands this month, and the thing that was most noteworthy from this exhibit was – in my opinion – the paternoster, a ‘plastic waste up-cycler’ that uses mycelium fungus to break down plastic packaging and bags. Enzymes within the fungus can decompose plastic, utilizing the material for food and producing edible mushrooms!

Lastly, check out the video above of an illegal vegetable gardener in New York. “I’d say this is as bad-ass as a vegetable garden can get.” No disagreement here.

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Emily Smith is a graphic designer, crafter, technical writer, life-hacker, and bicycle lover. She is passionate about DIY, open-source geekery, and facilitating collaborative and creative workspaces. She is an active member of the Vancouver Hack Space (VHS) and enjoys foraging for unlikely materials and increasing bicycle safety. In her off time you can catch her spinning on a drop spindle, dyeing with found materials or knitting half a day away.