WorldChanging: Warmth generated by sweaty passengers as they commute on the Paris Métro may be used to heat a block of low-income flats located near the Pompidou Centre in the city centre. This could slash the building’s energy bill and carbon footprint by a third, according to the property’s owner. The temperature in nearby Rambuteau Métro station stays at a […]
Metro Heat
Heliotrope: Rotating Solar Panel
Inhabitat: Look, up in the sky — it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the Heliotrope! The brainchild of Architect Ralph Disch, this rotating solar home was the seed for the extraordinary Sonnenschiff Solar Development and the modern solar movement in Germany. The home takes full advantage of the sun by rotating with it, allowing daylight to course though its […]
Solar ParkGreen
Abast Energia Natural is launching its new product called ParkGreen at the upcoming fair trade PVSEC, which is taking place in Valencia this September. ParkGreen is a concept that could help us to face the big challenges that we are facing in terms of sustainable mobility and renewable energies. It is an element that will actively help to change the […]
Gimme Some Water
TrendWatching.com: GiveMeTap lets consumers in the UK refill their water bottles for free at participating cafés. Beginning in Manchester, GiveMeTap has signed up numerous restaurants and cafés willing to supply free access to clean tap water; said providers can be located via PC or smartphone using GiveMeTap’s mapping service. In order to partake, consumers need to be carrying one of […]
Give a Beggar Bag
Thinking of helping the poor homeless fellow on the street but concerned that the money you give to him will go towards him getting a can of beer? You can get around this problem and help the homeless by giving a Beggar Bag. Created by Lisa Dunbar, Beggar Bags contain snacks such as NutriGrain or Trail Mix Bar, mints or […]
Boxed Water Cartons
TrendCentral: Calling themselves “part sustainable water company, part art project, part philanthropic project, and completely curious,” Boxed Water Is Better designed a carton made from 85% responsibly harvested trees – far more eco-friendly than typical plastic bottles. In addition to being made from green materials, the cartons are shipped flat to filling facilities, saving money and energy. After consumers’ thirst […]
Recyclable Origami Lamp
Inhabitat: The latest lighting design from LZF Lamps puts paper swans to shame. The Spanish design firm used origami figures to inspire its giant, geometric pendant lamps, which debuted at this week’s Milan Furniture Fair. Not only are the lights arrestingly beautiful, they’re crafted from eco-friendly materials. Consumers can recycle the spiky, polypropylene domes once they are finished using them. […]
Green Air, The Way to Go
Inhabitat: Prepare to be blown away: the latest addition to London’s skyline is a striking modern skyscraper that is heralded as the world’s first building with wind turbines built in! Nicknamed “The Razor”, the 148 meter-tall Strata tower is topped with a trio of turbines that will produce enough power to meet 8% of its energy needs. We’ve seen skyscrapers […]
Worldbike for the World
Worldbike designs and distributes low-cost bicycles for programs that increase economic opportunity, improve health outcomes and boost enrollment and gender equity in secondary school among the rural poor. Our bikes withstand large loads, rough terrain and inclement weather and are configured to be not only affordable, but also maintained and repaired locally. Through partnership with international and local agencies, private […]
Paving Power
TrendCentral: Harnessing the energy from your left-right-left, UK company Pavegen Systems plans to power the path you walk on. The rubber sidewalk tiles, made from 100% recycled tires, depress each time they’re stepped on. The kinetic energy generated is then converted into electricity and stored inside the tile. A very small percentage (about 5%) of that energy makes the tiles […]