A Kickstart to Sustainability: 5 Cool Kickstarter Projects That Could Save the World
Will coconuts keep your drinks cool? Can coffee tell you the time? If someone asked me this last month, I would have raised my eyebrows and waited for the punchline. Well, now they can — through the crowdsourcing platform Kickstarter.
Committed to environmental sustainability, Kickstarter encourages creators to consider sustainability in their projects. While sustainability and upcycling aren’t new concepts, I was truly impressed with these innovative Kickstarter campaigns that offer smart, sustainable products.
1. Nutshell Coolers — Chill by Nature
I may not like coconuts, but I do relish a cold drink on a hot sunny day. This Nutshell Cooler is made from recycled plastic bottles and insulated with coconut husk fiber. Coconut farming produces an extraordinary number of discarded husks every year. Partnering with local farmers in the Philippines, Nutshell Cooler’s engineers developed a new life for these husks. Available in three beach-inspired colors, the collapsible cooler will keep your drinks cold for 48 hours. Plus, it creates new jobs and supports local farmers in the Philippines. It’s Not Nuts, It’s Cool(er)!
2. Rens NOMAD — The All-in-1 Waterproof Coffee Shoe
What do 21 cups of coffee grounds and 6 plastic bottles make? A high-performance, breathable, waterproof athletic shoe, of course. Millions of coffee grounds and plastic bottles are thrown away every year. Rens Original sought to turn that waste into footwear. After successfully developing an upcycled everyday sneaker in 2020, they sprinted to a new challenge — the NOMAD athletic shoe. Backers can choose from nine different colors, all sporting laces engineered from recycled plastic bottles. You never know; your next sip could be the beginning of your next trip!
3. Wings — Outdoor Furniture From Upcycled Rotor Blades
Even sustainable energy needs to be recycled. With the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure, what happens when it reaches the end of its lifecycle? Let’s face it, turbine blades are difficult to recycle. That’s where Wings for Living comes in. Wings for Living transforms wind turbine rotor blades into stylish, modern furniture. Backers can relax and take comfort in Wing’s innovative line of outdoor furniture that keeps wind energy sustainable. Sit back and breathe in that cool sustainable air!
4. Earth Rising — 20 Years to Transform our World
We all want a better world. At least I do. You can make it happen in Earth Rising. Crafted 100% of sustainable materials, the developers at Stop, Drop, and Roll have crafted a game like no other. In this game for 1 to 6 players, you are charged with a mission — to create a sustainable world in 20 years. Designed to educate players on and off the board, Earth Rising comes with an information booklet on how players can make real sustainable changes right now. What could 2040 look like? The game and time will tell. What do you say…let’s play a game of life for a better life!
5. The Coffee Watch
Lilienthal Berlin’s coffee watch is not only made from recycled coffee but also offers a light coffee aroma. How cool is that? If you’re like me, the best I thought I could do with the grounds was to compost them. But Lilienthal Berlin developed a process to turn those grounds into a watch case. What’s your favorite coffee? Espresso? Latte? Americano? Macchiato? The coffee watch comes in these “flavors” and backers can choose an organic leather band, vegan leather or stainless steel. What time is it? It’s Coffee Time!
What do you think? Coconut insulation, a coffee watch, wind turbine furniture. Kickstarter creators have certainly propelled sustainable efforts this year. I can’t wait to see what future projects have in store. Whether you’re ready to back a project or want to learn more, I encourage you to make a stop on Kickstarter. Or better yet why not become a Kickstarter creator? When our consumables find a repurposed home, we all win.
