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!
(image via Notcot) A company called Miniwiz has created a recycled plastic bottle specifically for building. From Inhabitat’s coverage: Made from recycled PET bottles, the lightweight bricks offer excellent acoustic and thermal insulation and can build anything from fences and roofs to pots for plants, skylights and beautiful walls of light… POLLI-Bricks possess incredible thermal […]
Portuguese craftsman Carlos Alberto handbuilt this sublime wooden Vespa. I think the classic Vespa is one of the most beautiful designs in history, and this is a truly worthy remake. via BoingBoing Gadgets
Homegrown Evolution has a neat garden work table made from a pallet – very simple. It would make great greenhouse shelves, too. I’ve heard that pallets are pretty much all chemically-treated so they don’t rot – does anyone know if this is true?
Here’s an Instructable on adding a supplemental solar panel to a mobile phone. Doesn’t seem like it crazily increases battery life, but certainly can’t hurt. (via Ecofriend)
Here’s a house that announces its energy efficiency (or lack thereof): With large intentions, its mission is to demonstrate an alternative method of building that allows levels of flexibility and sustainability beyond the reach of typical residential construction. This building requires NO FURNACE, even in Maine, and provides owners with real-time, easily understandable feedback of […]
Here’s what we entered, the Tweet-a-watt, for the Core77 & Greener Gadgets design competition… Using “off-the-shelf hardware”, we have modified a Kill-a-Watt(TM) power meter to “tweet” (publish wirelessly) the daily KWH consumed to the user’s Twitter account (Cumulative Killowatt-hours). We are releasing this project as an “Open source hardware” project – in other words, anyone […]
Susan Benarcik creates intricate wall sculptures from recycled paper goods such as old newspapers and other found objects. The papers are put together to resemble honeycomb formations from beehives and other organic or natural designs. Check out the link below for more photos of her interesting creations. Susan Benarcik via InHabitat
