The non-profit organization Urban Rivers is currently fundraising to deploy a remote-controlled, trash-cleaning robot on the Chicago River. Urban Rivers already has a prototype out in the water and hopes to expand this into a full-fledged, multiplayer internet game. The organization’s “Trashbot Game” would allow players to control the robot from afar using simple keyboard directions to gather trash throughout […]

While many shoes are made from natural fibers like cotton or leather, athletic shoes take a different approach. Needing to be breathable and moisture-wicking, makers of running shoes often opt for synthetic fibers derived from petroleum-based materials. In other words, those sporty joggers are not environmentally friendly. Synthetic materials are toxic to produce, and when they’ve been worn out by […]

There are many public libraries that host basic computer classes for seniors and middle-aged adults who want to become more familiar with this type of technology. A dozen or so adults may sign up for a computer class that meets at the library once or twice a week. Computer rentals are a popular option for libraries who host these and […]

Styrofoam is incredibly cheap and provides many uses like holding hot drinks and packing larger electronics for shipment. However, the convenience is costly when it comes to the environment, and it’s an incredible nightmare when it comes to recycling it. A new option called “nanowood” hopes to provide benefits similar to styrofoam, with the plus of being biodegradable. For the […]

Merrett Houmøller Architects designed a pop-up kitchen that not only addresses social change, but is also a clever take on modular architecture with wheels. Created for RIBA’s Beyond Borders design competition, the Befriending Kitchen was created to bring young asylum seekers and refugees together with weekly meals. Compact enough for travel, the pop-up unit contains kitchen facilities as well as storage for folding […]

The future of transportation is looking mighty green. Goodyear just revealed a new tire called Oxygene that integrates living moss to help improve air quality while you travel. Goodyear didn’t just stop there – Oxygene is 3D-printed out of recycled tires and includes technology to help keep pedestrians safe. While we’re excited about any eco-friendly innovations in mobility, this tire is particularly exciting because […]

Over two billion people in the world don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. This leads to a lack of proper hygiene, the spread of many diseases, and premature death of kids growing up in developing countries. In order to increase clean water reach, Australian scientists have developed a cheap graphene material that can effectively filter salt and dirt from […]

In the United Kingdom, chewing gum is only thwarted by cigarette butts in terms of the most common street litter. Over $200 million US is spent to clean up the discarded gunk, and to fix this issue, British designer Anna Bullus had an idea to turn the gum into something useful. Using the synthetic rubber in the base of chewing gum, waste […]

  Architect Suraksha Acharya from Midori Architects has proposed a pair of ultra-green translucent towers for the Hong Kong skyline. The futuristic Aero Hive skyscrapers are clad in an organic facade interspersed with greenery that leads up to the towers’ expansive open-air rooftop gardens. The concept is based on creating an iconic symbol of sustainable design for the city – a unique highrise designed to adapt […]

  It is one of literal building blocks of modern civilization, and somewhat ironically plays a significant role in one of its largest looming threats. Producing cement is a hugely energy intensive process that accounts for around five percent of global CO2 emissions, so scientists are continually searching for greener ways of doing things. Now a team from MIT has found […]