8 of the coolest sustainable inventions in the world
Growing environmental challenges in the world have given rise to a new crop of eco-inventors that are developing ingenious solutions to the most pressing problems of today. They are capitalizing on the new opportunities presented by the problems faced by the world today to create social businesses that focus on a triple bottom line with social responsibility at its core, rather than as just one function of the business. As consumers, it is up to us to to support this new era of businesses with our wallets and social clout to join the movement for a better tomorrow.
Below I have listed 8 of the coolest inventions that we have come across in the space of sustainability.
- Ecobricks
Ecobricks are building blocks made from plastic bottles filled and tightly packed with thin plastic waste. These bricks provide a lasting solution for the tonnes of plastic waste out there. They not only help in giving large amounts of plastic waste a useful second life, but this solution also ensures that there is almost no photo degradation and leaching of harmful chemicals. These building blocks can be used to make small structures such as garden walls, furniture such as benches and chairs and large structures such as cabins and schools as well. We too have worked with thousands of children in Mumbai to create over 7000 Ecobricks in 2 months and are now looking to construct a public structure using these bricks. This is an extremely simple solution that can be replicated almost anywhere with no technology, no electricity and no capital.
To read more about and contribute to this amazing movement click here: https://bit.ly/2NabUEr
To read about schools in Guatemala made from this material click here: https://bit.ly/2JfClX5
To read more about our project in Mumbai click here: https://bit.ly/2vluMfL
2. Earthships
Earthships are a community of self sustaining houses that are built keeping in mind sustainable architecture, green energy and DIY construction by inexperienced people. These completely off the grid structures are made from waste such as beer cans and tyres and use solar and wind energy. They also use advanced water treatment plants that reduce the amount of waste coming out from the homes. Although started in New Mexico in the 70’s, these structures can now be found in many parts of the world.
To read more visit: https://bit.ly/2L7P3ZU
3. Seed balls
A unique concept started in Kenya, Seed balls, like the name suggests, are small balls within which seeds are placed. The ball is made of charcoal dust and nutrients that protect the seed in times of drought and allow it to survive till the rains arrive. It also protects the seeds from predators and insects. These seed balls are the ingenious answer to rapid deforestation and they can literally be thrown from planes to grow several trees at once with minimal effort.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/2zuZ2qt
4. Clean energy gyms
Imagine powering a light bulb while you pedal on a bicycle in a gym! If you have watched Black Mirror (popular show on Netflix), this might scare you, but clean energy gyms create electricity through human energy. A single hour of spin class can generate up to 3300 watts of energy and this energy is used to power the gym. Any excess energy is supplied to the grid to power neighboring areas. Several such gyms have popped up in Hong Kong, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
Check out one such gym here: https://bit.ly/2maoc4f
5. Air Ink
This one, is a homegrown innovation that we should be extremely proud of. Invented by Indians, Air Ink can be the answer to the horrible air pollution of cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. This company captures air pollution and soot (from cars) to make beautiful black ink that can be used in art. They are still testing and popularizing the concept but when scaled this invention can have far reaching impact.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/2g5B9wQ
6. Sea Bin
Simply put, this is a really cool waste bin for the ocean! The sea bin uses tidal power to filter sea water as it bobs along the surface of the ocean, capturing any trash that may come its way. This amazing invention can capture almost 1.5 kgs of waste a day including microplastics. This is great for problem areas in marinas and near the coastline.
Read More: https://bit.ly/2sxH5A1
7. Recycled island
Richart Sowa an eco architect, has literally built himself an entire island using over 150000 waste plastic bottles. His first attempt at building an island failed when the nearby villagers weren’t too happy to see this island floating near their beautiful beach. His second island, was destroyed by a hurricane. Now finally his third island floats off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. The island is made from waste, has solar power and even has mangroves growing on it!
Read more about this amazing story here: https://bit.ly/2NaeFFE
8. Edible Six Pack Rings
Beer six pack rings are made from plastic and can be devastating for marine and wild life. In response to this pressing issue, a small brewery based in Florida, made a sustainable alternative. Using wheat and barley they created a completely biodegradable and edible six pack ring for their beers that is harmless for wildlife.
See more here: https://bit.ly/2JbDAux
A lot of these innovative solutions can create large scale impact in the years to come. It is important to support these initiatives as consumers and citizens. If you know of any other cool inventions that we can add to the list, leave a comment below.
*Our organization, Upcycler’s Lab, creates learning tools and programs for parents and schools around sustainability. Our vision is to change mindset and behaviour around waste and therefore we only work with children below the age of 9 since most behaviour is formed by that age. Our newest program for schools uses play based learning, storytelling, crafts and songs to teach waste management to children.
Know more about our story here: https://bit.ly/2HO909u
Have a look at our products here: https://bit.ly/2KdyZF7
Get in touch with us on info@upcyclerslab.com
