Kyocera's do-it-yourself special: Use 'green curtains' to save energy, eat

Kyocera is big on "green curtains," vine plants that are erected to shade windows and cover walls. The foliage is wrapped around trellises in 20 Kyocera locations in Japan, Thailand and Brazil.

According to the company, these green curtains shield buildings from direct sunlight and give air-conditioners a break. Another perk is that the plans absorb CO2.

Kyocera launched the green curtain effort in 2007 as part of its energy conservation program. Now it is expanding into other regions. Kyocera estimates that its green curtains will cover an area of 32,750 square feet and absorb 23,481 pounds of CO2.

And the real kicker: Kyocera eats its green curtains. Employees have planted and harvested goya, cucumbers and peas.

Kyocera also has a do-it-yourself site that outlines best angles for trying a green curtain at home.

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com