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!
Students at Georgia Tech developed this Arduino-based, solar-powered bus-tracking system that shows students where the buses are on campus at any given time so they can decide if it’s quicker to wait for the bus or walk to their next class. The site for the system has lots of information and media on the system’s […]
Here’s a motorized mountainboard built by some mechanical engineering students from Colorado State. I love the hand-controller/horn cased inside of a hair dryer. A downloadable PDF has the build notes and parts list. Gadget Freak Case 140: Motorized Mountainboard
I thought this chemistry video by Jen K was really interesting. You may not be able to perform this particular experiment at home since you need access to an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. However, the video does give an interesting look at how they perform this experiment in the lab. Mercury is detected in light bulbs […]
When I was in Portland, Oregon last month, I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Garth Johnson of Extreme Craft. He gave me a copy of his new DVD, Re-Construct: Eco-Friendly Crafts Made Easy that features “11 original recycled home decor projects.” Garth stars with product designer, Jeanee Ledoux, who designed and […]
From the MAKE Flickr pool Eric’s styrolight looks quite scifi – I made a chandelier from the molded styrofoam packing material Apple used to use for shipping their laptops. Approx. 35″ x 35″ x 12″. The unique lighting fixture went on to win the Sustainable prize in Design Within Reach Austin‘s M+D+F competition – congrats!
Guilherme created what may be the most inexpensive iteration of Arduino yet – This is a 100% functional version of the Arduino. We eliminate the PCB and use paper and cardboard as support and the result is.. the PAPERduino :D This is the the first version of the layout design, next we will try more […]
SolarAid – 100 People – Brave Mhouie from Solar Aid on Vimeo. SolarAid is a Non Governmental Organization dedicated to bringing the power of the sun to people living in places that are just simply beyond the reach of such modern technologies as the electric grid. Their website has a wealth of information about solar […]
