Energy & Sustainability

If you’re a maker just starting out your journey in sustainability, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get started. From understanding the types of materials to utilize, learning what steps will help reduce waste and emissions, and finding inspiring new ways to explore creativity that don’t have a negative environmental impact. The good news is there are plenty of resources available for DIYers looking for ways to make their projects more sustainable – from simple switches you can make today, big-picture ideas for longterm change, or exciting new ways makers are helping push sustainability into the future. In these blog posts we’ll look at tips tricks and ideas specifically tailored towards diyers and makers on the road to creating projects with greater eco consciousness so that not only will you create something beautiful but also respect its impact on our planet!

Edible Innovations: Hacking for More Sustainable Schools

Edible Innovations: Hacking for More Sustainable Schools

By Chiara Cecchini

Chiara Cecchini

Chiara is fascinated by food as a means to impact bodies, minds, and environment. She has studied international business in three different countries, and is an alumni of the Food Innovation Program and US Director at the Future Food Institute.

Based in California, she is also a Research Scholar at Food Science and Technology at UC Davis, working on building the first comprehensive Internet of Food to enable food care through food systems semantics. She is a selected member of Barilla Center Food Nutrition Foundation, a Research Affiliate at Institute For The Future, Board Member at Maker Faire and selected member of the Global Shapers, a young global network of innovators promoted by the World Economic Forum.

She is passionate about social entrepreneurship and impact investing, and aims to leave her mark on society.

View more articles by Chiara Cecchini

CentriSeed Innovations provides sustainable solutions to communities both local and abroad, and develop student’s professional skills.

Continue Reading
The Man Who Makes Lightning on Demand

The Man Who Makes Lightning on Demand

By Goli Mohammadi

Goli Mohammadi

I'm a word nerd who loves to geek out on how emerging technology affects the lexicon. I was an editor on the first 40 volumes of MAKE, and I love shining light on the incredible makers in our community. In particular, covering art is my passion — after all, art is the first thing most of us ever made. When not fawning over perfect word choices, I can be found on the nearest mountain, looking for untouched powder fields and ideal alpine lakes.

Contact me at snowgoli@gmail.com or via @snowgoli.

View more articles by Goli Mohammadi

Electrical engineer Greg Leyh is no stranger to high voltage. He invites it, measures it, and controls it.

Continue Reading
Making Your Own Solar Cells from Powdered Donuts?

Making Your Own Solar Cells from Powdered Donuts?

By Gareth Branwyn

Gareth Branwyn

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

Make a photovoltaic solar cell using common household items… and donuts!

Continue Reading
A Maker’s Journey to Help Refugees Cook Food with the Sun

A Maker’s Journey to Help Refugees Cook Food with the Sun

Becky LeBret

By Becky LeBret

Becky LeBret

Becky is Executive Director of Next Ed Research, an education nonprofit which collaborates with makers, educators, and science aficionados to uncover innovative models in education. She works to create a precision-based learning environment through human-centered design. As a maker she relishes in succulent arrangements, edible gardens, and indulges in the fine art of vermicompost.

View more articles by Becky LeBret

Sharon Clausson initially created her Copenhagen Solar Cooker to make camp cookouts easier, but has since used her project to aid refugees.

Continue Reading
Edible Innovations: Honing in the Science of Preserving Fresh Food

Edible Innovations: Honing in the Science of Preserving Fresh Food

By Chiara Cecchini

Chiara Cecchini

Chiara is fascinated by food as a means to impact bodies, minds, and environment. She has studied international business in three different countries, and is an alumni of the Food Innovation Program and US Director at the Future Food Institute.

Based in California, she is also a Research Scholar at Food Science and Technology at UC Davis, working on building the first comprehensive Internet of Food to enable food care through food systems semantics. She is a selected member of Barilla Center Food Nutrition Foundation, a Research Affiliate at Institute For The Future, Board Member at Maker Faire and selected member of the Global Shapers, a young global network of innovators promoted by the World Economic Forum.

She is passionate about social entrepreneurship and impact investing, and aims to leave her mark on society.

View more articles by Chiara Cecchini

Mike Annunziata and Vipul Saran, a man fascinated by potatoes, came together to make a more effective way to preserve food.

Continue Reading
Edible Innovations: Pete’s Living Greens Is Packaged Produce That’s Still Growing

Edible Innovations: Pete’s Living Greens Is Packaged Produce That’s Still Growing

By Chiara Cecchini

Chiara Cecchini

Chiara is fascinated by food as a means to impact bodies, minds, and environment. She has studied international business in three different countries, and is an alumni of the Food Innovation Program and US Director at the Future Food Institute.

Based in California, she is also a Research Scholar at Food Science and Technology at UC Davis, working on building the first comprehensive Internet of Food to enable food care through food systems semantics. She is a selected member of Barilla Center Food Nutrition Foundation, a Research Affiliate at Institute For The Future, Board Member at Maker Faire and selected member of the Global Shapers, a young global network of innovators promoted by the World Economic Forum.

She is passionate about social entrepreneurship and impact investing, and aims to leave her mark on society.

View more articles by Chiara Cecchini

Peter Overgaag is reinventing agriculture by selling leafy lettuce that is packaged with their roots and soil in greenhouse bags.

Continue Reading