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!

Spider car

Stella writes – This guy built a spider-walking vehicle, which may not be as stealth as a real spider, but is still pretty quick on its 8 legs. It took 3 months to design and 6 months to build. After spending $15,000 in materials and countless man hours, the Spider was built in the name […]

Wind power from highways

Wind power from highways

Here’s an interesting idea, use the wind generated from cars on highways to power turbines, Joe writes – The highway system that dissects Phoenix is expansive. While connecting 515 square miles of the Sonoran desert to support our sprawling culture, the valley freeways divide communities. My catalyst proposes to retroactively collect royalties on the land […]

Real Costs – emissions data into travel related e-commerce website

Real Costs – emissions data into travel related e-commerce website

Adds C02 emission information to travel sites, extremely clever – Real Costs is a Firefox plug-in that inserts emissions data into travel related e-commerce website. The first version adds CO2 emissions information to airfare websites such as Orbitz.com, United.com, Delta.com, etc. Following versions will work with car directions, car rental, and shipping websites. Think of […]

To-Do This Weekend: Re-Make

To-Do This Weekend: Re-Make

Remember all those wonderful broken electronics ya’ll donated to the Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ACCRC) last weekend? Well, this weekend, they’re going to be resurrected. The ACCRC is holding a 24-hour event at which Makers will have access to all the piles of old equipment. The idea is to spend all night rebuilding, reworking, […]