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!

Cheaper veggie diesel…

Cheaper veggie diesel…

051114 BiodieselIn MAKE 03 we showed you how to make your own biodiesel, and now there appears to be a big breakthrough lowering the costs to get the esters “Japanese scientists may have found a cheaper and more efficient way to produce “biodiesel.” The renewable, vegetable oil-based fuel can be used in conventional diesel engines, which are found in about 2 percent of cars currently sold in the U.S. and in about 40 percent in Europe.” [via] Link. Also – listen to our interview with a biodiesel Maker.

HOW TO -Bluetooth stereo in the car

HOW TO -Bluetooth stereo in the car

No RcaChris writes “Considering how many people bought the HP Bluetooth stereo headphones and got disappointed when the headband snapped, I thought that it was time to do something useful with the ‘broken’ headphone. We’ll take you through all steps of dismantling the Bluetooth receiver and building it into a nice mouse housing with 12v in and line out. And as the device keeps its battery, you can also use this as a portable Bluetooth stereo receiver and plug in you high quality headphones or even connect it to your stereo at home.” Link.

The Space Cycle: New Way to Exercise in Orbit

The Space Cycle: New Way to Exercise in Orbit

Hf Scit Spccycle051004 01This might make a good low cost DIY centrifuge for here on Earth too – “For most space travelers, the first effect of weightlessness they feel is nausea. But over the next few days and weeks, the lack of gravity takes its toll on the rest of the body, leading to muscle and bone mass depletion and troubles regulating blood pressure…researchers at UC Irvine and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) have developed a two-person, centrifuge-like, one-stop workout machine that makes its own gravity. They call it the Space Cycle.” Link.

Lexus peel out cheat code…

Lexus peel out cheat code…

LexusJust like video game cars, real cars have cheat codes too…“Here’s a(n) [alleged] way to disable the traction/skid control systems called VDIM on the Lexus IS: “start the car with the parking brake on…then foot brake twice. (keep the foot brake down). then parking brake twice (keep it down ) and repeat till skid light is on the dash…..it will reset when you restart the car” [via] Link.

The Magnificent Drill Cart

The Magnificent Drill Cart

Img 2671Here’s a simple and clever way to build a motorized cart for kids: power it with two 18V cordless drills. The drills friction-drive the cart’s front wheels via two 3/4-inch sanding drums, and you drive and steer the thing by pulling the drills’ triggers, one with each hand. Two fully charged drill batteries will run the cart for about 45 minutes of play time. Thanks Paul! Link.