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!

Handmade sailing canoe

Handmade sailing canoe

Tim Anderson’s canoe just underwent its maiden voyage, and it’s beautiful: Detailed, step-by-step Instructables are here. While you’re at it, make yourself a 5-minute paddle, too: http://p.webshots.com/flash/smallplayer.swf?videoFile=http://videoserve.webshots.com/video/10540/3019809250100343814CoHoeL_v_0.flv&audio=on&displayImagePreview=http://videothumb21.webshots.com/thumb/10540/3019809250100343814CoHoeLstill_001_0.jpg&videoPageUrl=http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/video/3019809250100343814CoHoeL&autoPlay=false&shareLink=http://cards.webshots.com/ecard/personalize?photoId=3019809250100343814%26source=v?.swf

Loofahs + plastic = sustainable building

Elsa Zaldรƒยญvar just won a Rolex award for her work turning loofahs, a sponge-like cucumber that I thought grew underwater but apparently doesn’t, and recycled plastic into a sustainable building material: You can read more on the awards page here. I eagerly await the promised how-to video; any readers able to find her specific recipes […]

Rocket powered sled

Rocket powered sled

Ky Michaelson, better known as The Rocketman, is one of the world’s leading rocket powered vehicle builders. He was featured in MAKE, Volume 05, and says he got his start using a Gilbert chemistry set at the age of 12. This JATO rocket powered sled is meant to take the strain out of the uphill […]

LED lighting roundup

LED lighting roundup

Greater City: Providence has a post on some recent LED lighting news (good stuff+links in the blog and the comments), including links to a couple of articles on LED streetlights in NYC, Ann Arbor, and others: Since LEDs use less power than existing halogen, incandescent, or even fluorescent bulbs, it makes sense that this will […]