Eco Factor: Oxygen-generating installation can bring new life to architecture projects.
The founders of ecoLogicStudio have unveiled their latest project, the STEMcloud 2.0, which proposes the development of an architectural prototype serving as an oxygen-generating machine. The system will operate as a breeding ground for micro-ecologies found in rivers and will involve the visitors in the breeding process, the end result of which will be an oxygen-rich gallery space.
Eco Factor: Sustainable high-speed rail station utilizes solar energy for power.
Anaheim, the hometown of Disneyland, will have something entirely different to boast of, as authorities are planning to build a LEED Platinum-certified high-speed rail station for the city. The project, known as ARTIC or Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, will become the hub for Amtrak rail and other regional Metrolink services, buses, airport shuttles, taxis and connections with Disney’s monorail system.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission car powered by electricity harvests wind energy.
While car manufactures are trying hard to incorporate solar energy generators in their electric vehicles, car designers are ready with next-gen designs where electric cars won’t rely on solar energy, but will harvest wind energy, which is a far more dependable source of renewable energy, especially if you’re using a fast car to do so. Thomas Pastor is trying this new technology in a concept vehicle he calls the H Car.
Eco Factor: Solar-energy harvesting pavilion.
Michael Jantzen’s experimental designs have always been marked as the perfect blend of stunning architecture and ecological sustainability. The environmentally conscious designer has thrilled us every now and then with great designs that could revolutionize the skyline of any place on the planet. Michael’s latest design is known as the Sun Rays Pavilion, which boasts the use of solar panels to power the interiors and also supply surplus electricity to the grid.
Eco Factor: Off-grid home generates solar electricity for a low carbon footprint.
With the rise in environmental awareness among the masses, a vast majority of people who’re building new homes want them to be green so as to reduce their carbon footprint and also lessen the amount they have to pay on utility charges. While there aren’t many individuals who can afford a truly off-grid home, architects and designers are leaving no stone unturned to let them have what they want at a cost which is comparable to traditional grid-connected dwellings.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission electric car gets runs on linear motors when more speed and range is required.
The better the range and speed of an electric car, the more expensive it gets, and if you want an electric car that could take you across cities and towns just like your traditional gas-powered car does, you’re in need of some luck and huge amounts of money. Industrial designer Christian Förg is trying to find a feasible solution to all these problems associated with electric cars without increasing their cost by much. The ingenious designer has unveiled a new concept, the Speedway Electric Car, which alters its power source and shape according to the distance you are to travel.
Eco Factor: Renewable energy generating system can be attached to shoes to generate renewable energy.
If you are a frequent runner, then your endeavour to remain fit can now help the environment as well. Industrial designer Lola Mensa has designed a device that can be placed in running shoes to harness the energy of your run in the batteries, which the system is equipped with.
Some people inherit money from their families. Others acquire significant pieces of jewelry. I got dark circles. Trust me, I would have gladly accepted real estate or a priceless work of art, but instead I was bequeathed the hereditary gift that keeps on giving. My grandma had them. My mom has them. And I can already see the familiar blue-gray half moons forming under my toddler’s eyes. Have I accepted my fate with resignation? Do I venture out into the world looking like I was on the losing end of an alley fight? Not a chance. I won’t step outside to get the newspaper without first applying a serious slathering of under eye concealer or foundation. I go natural, of course—organic when possible—and have found that the right product will also mask pimples, broken capillaries, blotchy spots and any other imperfection that has worked its way onto your otherwise flawless face.
Reliable Dr. Hauschka has edged in on the foundation game with a product made from many of the same deliciously natural ingredients found in his moisturizers—avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, shea butter and the like. Hauschka’s Translucent Make-up ($36.95, Amazon.com) is designed to go on light and smooth for that make-up-free made-up look that we all pretend we’re not striving for.
Leave it to the Aussies to develop a certified organic (by the Organic Food Chain of Australia, thank you very much) foundation overflowing with ingredients that are good enough to eat, like sweet almond oil, wild marjoram, thyme, and cinnamon bark. Yum. NVEY ECO Organic Moisturizing Fluid Foundation ($45, Amazon.com) also contains “rose absolute,” a seemingly magical potion made from rosebuds picked and distilled right after the morning dew (30 roses are required for one skimpy drop of oil).
For some, a mineral foundation is the only way to go. For others, the idea of dusting crushed up mica and iron oxide on your cheeks is downright wacky. Mineral converts choose to brush it on instead of dab it on for a number of reasons—the makeup is often lighter, easier to apply and full of good things (um, minerals). And if AfterGlow Cosmetics’ Organic Mineral Foundation ($38, Amazon.com) is your coverage of choice, you’re also enjoying ingredients like organic grape seed and organic pomegranate extracts in addition to said minerals. But like Hauschka and NVEY, this coverage doesn’t come cheap. Perhaps you can think of it as an investment in your face.
Those in need of spot concealing—usually of the emergency variety—as well as a financial breather, should check out Organic Wear’s Concealer Stick ($6.95, Drugstore.com) made from 100 percent natural ingredients—of which 72.5 percent are farmed organically. Hit with an unexpected zit? Right before the big date? Or the big meeting? Bet you’re glad you tucked that stick in your purse this morning.
Eco Factor: Solar energy harnessing parking lot provides green charge for your EV.
With the demand for electric vehicles increasing with every passing day, researchers and designers are focusing on a completely different issue – electricity to charge all those electric vehicles. As of today a major part of the global electricity output is generated in coal-fired power plants and other stations which don’t depend on renewable energy sources. Finding green sources of electricity and harnessing them to power the green vehicles is what the world needs today.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission race car powered by electricity.
A student team at the University of Hertfordshire has raced the world’s first all-electric Formula Student can and has won this month’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers Formula Student competition. Developed to a budget of £14,000, the car does 55mph and can run at an average cost of a penny a mile.
Eco Factor: Biomass burning stove generates electricity from heat.
Systems that generate renewable energy are in high demand, especially in the underdeveloped nations of the world where people are in need of systems that perform more than one task. In places such as Nepal a vast majority of the population relies on wood for cooking, which not only is showing its mark on the forest reserves but also on the health of the people.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission electric car doesn’t make its owner wait for hours for a recharge.
While car manufacturers are trying hard to develop technology that would enable cars to recharge in minutes rather than hours, researchers over at MIT might have the answers. A team at MIT is working on an electric car that would recharge in just ten minutes, which is not much more than the time it takes to get your car refueled with gasoline.
Eco Factor: Self-sufficient habitat to house global warming refugees underground.
With the increase in greenhouse gases and the continuous emissions of harmful gases to suffice the planet’s need for energy and technology, global warming does seem inevitable. While the world is getting more conscious out the environment and the need to prevent such a disaster, futuristic designers have started thinking about the habitats of the possible millions of global warming refugees.
Eco Factor: Water conservation device stops water flow at the flip of a switch.
Forget all those leaking taps and kitchen appliances with a water conservation device that stops water flow without having you digging around looking for the stopcock. A UK-based company has launched an easy-to-use device, known as Surestop, which could give a new ray of hope to nations crippled by drought.
Eco Factor: Energy efficient organic LEDs made from salmon DNA.
If you’re of the belief that DNA can only be used to characterize living organisms, researchers at the University of Connecticut have proved you wrong. These researchers have used salmon DNA to develop next-gen LED bulbs. The researchers added fluorescent dye to salmon DNA and spun the DNA strands into nanofibers to create a new material that gives off a white light.
Eco Factor: Concept bike designed to be powered by electricity.
The E-Carver, by industrial designer Luca Bar, is a concept motorcycle design that has been developed looking at existing and early future technologies. It could be developed and produced in a short future, and be made available by 2015.
Eco Factor: Portable speakers powered by solar energy.
The latest advancements in technology have made people forget CDs and store their favorite music on their portable media devices. However, since most of these devices, be it cellphones or iPods, don’t come with high-quality integrated speakers, users are mostly left to listening music on their earphones. UK-based Devotec Industries has delivered what many people in the world would have been longing for.
Eco Factor: Solar-powered outdoor LED lamps.
Recently we’ve covered a lot of lighting systems for your gardens and your living room as well. If you weren’t actually satisfied with the lamps and are looking for something more practical and easy to use, the Sunlamps might just be the right option. The Lamps carry solar panels which harness the energy of the sun during daytime and power on the LEDs after dark. The practical lamps are perfect for an evening stroll in the garden with your loved one.
When gladiator sandals are worn right, they are comfortable, flattering and fashion forward. However, they can easily be worn very, but very, wrong. Because gladiator styles range from a subtle shout out to Venus and the rest of her Roman Goddess posse to a full-on Render unto Caesar your entire leg, finding the right pair and knowing how to wear them can be tricky. So, here are a few of the very best eco-friendly gladiators, and tips on how to wear them.
When rocking a candy colored gladiator, like these Melissa Mystery Gladiators, which are made from Melflex recycled rubber, let the sandal be the look’s focal point and keep the rest of your outfit toned down. If the gladiator reaches high up your shin, pair it with shorts or a mini skirt in order to elongate the leg. And, shorter women beware: this is not a gladiator style that works for all of us.
With all of the straps to support the foot, gladiators can be a joy to wear traveling or walking around an outdoor summer festival. These recyclable jute gladiators by Rocket Dog will compliment any look –pants, skirts, shorts– because they are low on the foot and expose the ankle, the slimmest part of the leg.
The delightful patent sheen on these faux leather David gladiators by Olsen Haus demonstrate the direction gladiators are headed in. The gladiator sandal has been in style for more than 3 seasons now and so designers must find new ways to reinvent the look. Shiny patent and metallic colors are the most updated gladiator styles.
Many people complain about arch support in flat sandals, gladiators included. The Alkali sandals by Patagonia, made with recycled materials, have a slight arch elevation that adds extra support. Unlike a stilleto, or any other fashion heel, the gladiator is supposed to be comfortable. If it doesn’t have the arch support or ankle support that you are looking for, it is not the gladiator for you.
Simple’s cork blend midsole and recycled car tire outsole Teetoe Gladiator is another comfortable option. Just make sure the straps do not cut into your flesh above the ankle, which is a definite sign that the gladiator style is too tight for your leg.
Eco Factor: Chemical-free dishwasher saves water too.
Several studies conducted on different users have found out that on an average, hand washing dishes uses significantly more water because most people tend to leave the faucet running or wash dishes several times a day. Running a dishwasher fully loaded, particularly if dishes aren’t pre-rinsed, uses about 35 percent less water than washing dishes by hand. One study by researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany found that hand-washing dishes uses between five and 86 gallons of water compared to four to five gallons for the average European dishwasher.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission car driven by an electric engine.
Of the several factors hampering the global acceptance of electric vehicles, the cost factor seems to be on the minds of many. To encourage people to drive vehicles with electric engines, car manufacturers should look towards possibilities of a low cost electric vehicle, which isn’t flashy but performs the task it is made for in the most effective manner. The ElectriLite by Omni Instruments is one such vehicle.
Eco Factor: Solar-powered lighting systems for green areas.
Solar-powered lighting system concepts are plenty, they come in different shapes and sizes to suit individual needs. While some are ready to grace your indoors with sustainable curtains of light, others simply need the user to install them in the gardens where they can capture sunlight without much problem. Industrial designer J Merla Laguna has designed an outdoor lighting system that carries blended solar panels over its curved surface, which allows it to harness solar energy all through the day.
Eco Factor: Concept cellphone charger provides a clean, off-grid charge.
Of all the human-powered charger concepts, the one by industrial designer Clara Zamboni, does seem a wee bit more practical. Clara has designed a hand-held charger that converts human energy for an easy and green recharge. The inventor states that the energy converter, dubbed Lotus, works by converting the energy generated by rotating nanogenerators with a thumb.
Eco Factor: Ceramic tiles embedded with PV cells for sustainable lighting.
Solar-powered lighting systems are available in plenty for your home. However, most of these lamps need to be placed outdoors after their juice runs out. The folks over at Integral Studio Vinaccia have unveiled a new product which doesn’t need to be placed outdoors. The Solar Module is a LED-equipped tile that harness solar energy from your living room’s window.
Eco Factor: Concept product produces water from moist air in a greenhouse.
Greenhouses are necessary, especially if you consider the decline in the amount of land that is available for irrigation and the growth in population. However, most greenhouses require an enormous amount of fresh water, which too is hard to come by. Naci Cenk Aytekin, a Turkish industrial product designer, has come up with a solution that could make greenhouses much greener.
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