Posts from ‘August, 2008’

Instead of just burning energy at the gym, your workout can now create energy! Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon, which opened a couple of days ago, uses the energy expended by its members to create energy to powers some of its machines.  While they will only be able to power about 20-25% of the machines [...]

Using inspiration from nature, designer Vivien Muller created the Solar Cell Tree Charger to serve as functional technology art.  The solar cell tree charges uses 54 miniature solar panels to collect energy and then stores it in a battery.  The harnessed power can later be used to power portable devices such as a cell phone, [...]

RecycleBank, a Philadelphia based startup, pays consumers to recycle.  Using RFID technology, a residential customers recycling amounts are recorded each time their trash is collected.  Depending on the quantity and type of recyclables collected, points are accumulated and later convert to gift certificates for businesses such as Whole Foods, Stonyfield Farms, and Green Mountain Coffee [...]

I was the world’s largest transformer fan as a child, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to see the news from Peugeot.  They have designed a shape shifting car that is the ultimate green car.  The futuristic Peugeot 888 concept car is super flat, aerodynamic, and fast when driving on the highway.  When [...]

Designer David Gardener used inspiration to create the ‘Packaging Lamp‘ which is a lamp made from its retail packaging.  Gardener was tired of buying products, using the product, and then throwing out the packaging. It inspired him to create the concept of incorporating the packaging in the design of the actual product.   The cardboard packaging [...]

With recent news of granite countertops emitting radiation, I searched for some green alternatives for your kitchen, bathroom, and business.  I found a very interesting product made right in my neck of the woods.  BottleStone, a San Francisco Bay Area based company, makes beautiful countertops made from 80% recycled glass and 20% cement and ceramic.  [...]

I personally have always liked vacuuming and mowing the lawn, but many don’t share the same joy.   Thngs in the mowing world are about to change.  Four innovative students from South Korea have made mowing fun for everyone, young and old.  They created the Muwi, a mower that not only cuts grass on its [...]

The Cabbage Patch.  The Macarena.  Soldier Boy’s dance.  Regardless of which dance you prefer, you can now create energy while showing off your moves.  Orange, a UK based company, released a mobile phone charger that is powered by your dance moves.   Here is how it works.   The unit is encased in a neoprene pouch which [...]

Organic Bug Killer.  Doesn’t that sound like an oxymoron?  EcoSmart has created an organic insecticide which the company says “kills bugs and pests amazingly fast”.  This ecofriendly bug killer is made of non-toxic plant based oils which are safe around children and pets.  For those spending lots of time outdoors (camping, hiking, boating, etc) this [...]

A group of young designers entered Google’s “Innovate or Die Pedal Powered Machine Contest” with a unique machine which could positively affect millions of lives across the world.  This group of creative minds created the ‘Aquaduct’ and snagged the first place prize of $5,000.  The Aquaduct is a bicycle with a water storage unit on [...]