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!
The Netherlands based company, Royal Boon Edam Group Holding, has created the world’s first energy generating revolving door that is currently installed at the Driebergen-Zeist railway station in Holland. The door stores power generated in a capicitor bank and illuminates LED lights in its ceiling, while a large scale display outside the building shows pedestrians […]
Thanks to Robin for pointing me to this experiment in winter bicycling with skis: Here’s a downhill-only version by another Maker in action: Here’s Ktrak, the fancy commercial version:
Thanks to Berend for pointing me to my new favorite thing in the world: a bicycle-based beer bar. Originally in the Netherlands, there’s an American version, too. The only way I can think of for this project to become cooler would be if people can ride up to it and link their bikes in on-the-fly…
Here’s a great way to increase the sunlight you bring indoors: SunTrack The SunTrack system can reflect the sun in my house and keep the reflection all day. That way it is possible to have a lot of light in my living room witch is facing east. With a KlikAan remote control (433mhz) it is […]
While it may not be a masterpiece of information design, Jeff Breakey’s complete sprouting chart does tell you what you need to know about sprouting everything from Aduki to Wheat. Here’s an excerpt: And here’s the full version. (via Mother Earth News) It is from 1981, so expect prices to be a bit off… For […]
Or car? Somewhere in between is this project from SJSU: (via Ecofriend) Here’s the homepage for Dr. Hsu, and here’s a presentation he gave on solar cells (pdf). At $4,000 and 30 mph with a 60-mile range, sounds like a good alternative to smaller gas-powered scooters!
CBS’s Lesley Stahl takes an inside look into the world of Saudi Aramco, the world leader in crude oil production – there are a lot of political, energy, social and security comments that I’m sure folks will have, but you must check out the GIANT 220 foot screen in the command center. It.is.crazy… The engineers […]
