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!
A lot of folks emailed me about our “Not New Year’s resolutions – What are you going to MAKE? What we are making…” How many startups and projects are going to be doing power usage and metering in 2009? TONS – and now many of them seem to be looking at Twitter to pass the […]
Here’s a brief overview of non-oil light-producing options from the authors of The Carbon-Free Home. In part: Increasing the natural daylight in your home is something to take into consideration if you find from your energy diary that you need to turn lights on during the daytime. We are fortunate that our house, designed in […]
(Via Ecofriend) Cool: a company selling a calendar with pages that you plant to grow wildflowers. Cooler: This abstract perpetual calendar: Or, at the opposite extreme, the Martha Stewart take on a monthly tile calendar. Coolest: a Maker creating a gift calendar with weekly seed packets that can be grown into food at that time […]
Joe Hyneck wants to move your charger from the wall to your handbag. On cloudless days, he wanders his neighborhood to test whether the purse, which is plated in thin solar panels and contains a lightweight battery, is absorbing energy from the sun. After three hours of direct exposure, the purse generates enough electricity to […]
Wastricity is the use of electricity in a way that provides no personal or public benefit. There is no public benefit to the money spent lighting streets and the exterior of buildings during the daytime. Who should you talk to when you see municipal money being spent on electricity or other utilities for zero constructive […]
Image and article via Treehugger Here’s a call for trash to treasure ideas: We are seeking submissions for 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, an upcoming book by Garth Johnson of ExtremeCraft.com, which will feature 21st Century craft and design, all made with recycled, upcycled, repurposed and reused items. We are looking for the best examples […]
A panel used by [script] 25C3 is underway and includes excellent presentations. Via hackaday, here’s some coverage of “Solar-powering your Geek Gear:” [script] selected a four segment folding solar panel after some research. he pointed out that solar is currently more of a necessity technology than money saving since the panels can be very expensive. […]
