Inspiration for the story's world

Small, personal potted plant containers that look like stained glass
http://inhabitat.com/turn-any-potted-plant-into-a-geodesic-crystal-terrarium-with-halonas-plant-toppers/

Food forests:
http://inhabitat.com/first-steps-on-a-permaculture-journey/

Solar Panels:
http://inhabitat.com/raytons-new-super-efficient-affordable-solar-panels-could-trump-fossil-fuels/