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!

Pedal Powered World, #1: Kitchen

This is part 1 of an ~8-part series I’m doing on bike-powered devices. If you’ve got a link to another device that should be included or a better-documented version of any of these, comment below or email me and I’ll add it to my last post in the series, summarizing all the interesting pedal-powered projects […]

Energy efficiency on a chip

Energy efficiency on a chip

Article @ Cnet on TI’s new “Energy efficiency chip” — this is interesting, most microcontrollers can do this now with pulse width modulation & analog to digital sensors, but TI seems to be grabbing the mindshare as they say… Energy efficiency, in general, is considered the most cost-effective way to decrease pollution. And specialized power […]

Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea

Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea

Accomplished street artist Swoon has a new project sponsored by Deitch Studios in Long Island City, New York. Tim Yu at Cool Hunting writes: With this latest work, Swoon highlights one of the most important issues of our generation, alternative energy. Each of the seven boats, which are crafted out of salvaged materials, are fueled […]

Austin Event: Grid-Tied Solar System Class

Austin has an aggressive solar energy rebate program ($4.50 per professionally-installed watt), and here’s an opportunity to learn the in’s and out’s of grid-tie system design: Grid-Interactive System Design and Installation (part 1&2) Cost: $80 Saturday, September 6th – 10am to 4pm This 6 hour workshop, lead by expert installer and NABCEP certified instructor Roy […]