When sustainability meets art, some pretty neat things start to happen. After years of discussion and research into the climate change and CO2 problem, designers have tackled the issue in many unique ways. From handheld devices to houses, these sustainable innovations are sure to be topics of great discussion — and inspiration!
1. Trinity — Trinity is a handy gadget that uses wind energy to power all your electrical devices. Designed by Janulus, an Icelandic innovation company, this portable wind turbine comes with 4 alternatively sized models to cater to any and all charging needs. It is usable in winds as low as 2 mph, becomes fully charged in 3-4 hours, and (when fully charged) is capable of charging your iPhone 16 times.
2. SALt Lamp — Made by SALt, this lamp supplies an entire night’s worth of light using a glass of water and two tablespoons of salt. Additionally, the lamp is able to run effectively on ocean water. This innovative little light has the potential to change lives, especially in households that cannot afford electricity.
3. Carbon Positive Home — Developed by Archiblox, this home is the World’s First Carbon Positive Prefabricated House. This means that these types of homes have moved beyond carbon zero by making additional ‘positive’ contributions by producing more energy on- site than the building requires. Carbon zero, or carbon neutrality, refers to having no carbon footprint by producing more energy than it uses. The house features in-ground tubes to help with cooling, sliding edible garden walls to block sun penetration, green roof for added thermal insulation, and other innovative ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
4. Perdu — Perdu by NYC Homes and Huntsmere are luxurious, underground houses that leaves little impact on the environment. The structures incorporate rainwater harvesting, a heat-exchange system, and heats water with solar tubes. The earth helps these underground homes to stay insulated, as well as provides protection from the wind and other unfavorable climates. A glass passageway in the center of the home allows for natural lighting.
5. LifeStraw — Designed by Vestergaard, LifeStraw is a neat little concoction that filters water. It uses a hollow fibre membrane that doesn’t require chemicals such as chlorine or iodine. The straw uses pressure upon sucking, and then the water is forced through the narrow fibres which trap bacteria and other contaminants. It is then flushed out by backwashing. This invention removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria (including E.coli), 99.9% of protozoan parasites, and prevents other diseases caused by contaminated drinking water, such as Hepatitis E and Typhoid Fever.
Want to find out more about sustainable innovations? Take a look at Sustainia100 for more!
