DIY自製環保捕蚊器

一個在網路流傳的小秘方，激發了小學生實驗靈感，經過不斷嘗試，成為真正的環保良方！台北市永安國小師生從網路偏方得到靈感，利用資源回收(網站)的寶特瓶，以及不到2.5 元的成本，製造出「環保捕蚊罐」，放在地下室，一罐最多

可抓到超過1427隻蚊子，連環保專家都驚歎不已。
「環保捕蚊罐」的環保之處，不只在利用資源回收的廢寶特瓶，更因這種捕蚊法不需使用化學的殺蚊劑無毒又安全。學生估計，只要有五分之一的人改用這種環保捕蚊法，每年全球就可省下10億元新台幣的購買殺蟲劑費用。
其實很多人都曾收到過這則網路偏方的電子郵件，指出只要在室內放一小盆水，再加點洗衣粉，蚊子就會全部溺死在盆中。永安國小學生郭家安的媽媽也看到了這則郵件，並付諸實施，雖然效果不佳，但卻激發郭家安動手研究，並在老師徐佳璋指導下，找出真正有效的捕蚊良方。
徐佳璋表示，剛看到這則網路偏方時，就懷疑是什麼東西誘使蚊子前來？是洗衣粉的成分還是香味？結果按網路傳聞操作，三天只抓到11隻蚊子，把洗衣粉濃度調高後，三天只抓到一隻蚊子，效果並不好。
因 此，師生動手實驗，希望找出更有效的誘蚊法。蚊子會被吸引嗎？試試看暖暖包。蚊子會對不同顏色有反應嗎？試著用不同顏色寶特瓶來誘蚊。捕蚊罐放置的高度是 否有差異？把捕蚊罐吊高到蚊子飛行高度試試看。學生還試過用蜂蜜、蘆薈、黏鼠板膠來誘蚊或黏蚊。最後發現，蚊子會受到二氧化碳及黑色吸引，即利用發酵糖水 會釋出二氧化碳的原理來製造捕蚊罐。
徐佳璋表示，「環保捕蚊罐」研發成功後，曾創下單罐一周內在地下室停車場捕獲1427隻蚊子的紀錄；另一次測試放置九罐捕蚊罐，更共抓到超過五千隻蚊子。徐家安回憶整個實驗過程，最「苦」的就是撈出一坨坨的蚊子屍體，計算到底有幾隻。
而這項成果不但讓永安國小這群師生獲得全國科展特優，並在環保署舉辦的2005年全國環保創意競賽中得到佳作殊榮。有人質疑蚊子會不會再度飛出？糖水罐反而成了「養蚊罐」？徐佳璋指出，只要上下半部的寶特瓶密合，蚊子絕對「只進不出」，還有一些小果蠅也會死在裡面。
但 此捕蚊罐也有局限。徐佳璋表示，並非100%的蚊子都會被誘引，在人多的環境，即使放了捕蚊罐，仍免不了有人被叮咬；捕蚊罐使用效果最佳地點，是在停車 場、地下室等蚊子較多的室內場所。 尤其是近年來，即使有寒流、強烈冷氣團來襲的冬季，仍有地下家蚊（溫帶家蚊的一種）作怪，出沒地點多集中在地下室，最適合使用環保捕蚊罐來展開抗蚊大作 戰。
「蚊子專家」台北市立教育大學環境教育研究所教授黃基森十分肯定「環保捕蚊罐」，認為它有學理根據，不少市售的捕蚊器就是利用散發二氧化碳來 誘蚊，只是一般捕蚊器多半價格高昂，如能廢物利用，意義更佳；但要注意的是，不同酵母菌對不同品種的斑蚊、家蚊誘引效果可能還有差異。

Garbage Enzyme

More facts on garbage enzyme:-

Credits goes to Dr. Rosukon and Dr.(H) Joean Onn for sharing this valuable knowledge

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What's Garbage Enzyme?

Garbage enzyme is a complex solution produced by fermentation of fresh kitchen waste (fruits and vegetables dregs), sugar (brown sugar, jaggery or molasses sugar) and water. It is dark brown and has a strong sweet sour fermented scent. Garbage enzyme is a multipurpose liquid and its applications covers household, agriculture, animal husbandry etc.
Garbage enzyme is developed by Dr. Rosukon from Thailand. She has been actively involved in enzyme research for more than 30 years and encourages people to make garbage enzyme at home to ease global warming.

Garbage enzyme is the solution to recover our ozone layer and lower the global temperature.

Change Climate
From day one you start making garbage enzyme, its catalyses process Will release ozone gas (O3). O3 can reduce carbon dioxide (C02) in the atmosphere and heavy metal that traps heat in the cloud. Hence heat can be released from the Earth, reducing greenhouse and global warming effects. Enzyme convert ammonia to nitrate (NO3), a natural hormone and nutrient for plants. Meanwhile it converts carbon dioxide to carbonate (C03) which is beneficial to sea plants and marine life.

Discover the endless benefits of this Earth-saving enzyme you can make in your kitchen. It is rewarding to heal the Earth.

• Save money:
• Turn kitchen waste to DIY natural house-hold cleaners.
• Multiple usage:
• Natural household cleaner; air purifier; deodoriser; insecticide; detergent; body care; car care: organic fertiliser, etc
• Reduce pollution:
• Methane gas released from disposed garbage can trap 21 times more heat than CO2, worsen the global warming condition.
• Purify air:
• Remove odour. Dissolve toxic air released from smoking, car exhaust, chemical residues from household products, etc.
• Purity underground water:
• Enzyme that flow underground will eventually purify the river and the sea.
• Natural pesticides:
• Reduce mosquitoes. flies, rats or cockroaches etc.
• Anti-bacterial and virus:
• Natural antiseptic for your home.
• Prevent drainpipe blockage:
• Release residues accumulated in the pipe of basins or toilet bowls

Close tight - Keep 3 months (Open daily to release gases for first month)

==================================================
||Ingredients || Ratio || Example 1 || Example 2 || Example 3 ||
==================================================
||SUGAR || 1 || 1KG || 2KG || 0.5KG ||
==================================================
||VEGETABLE || 3 || 3KG || 2KG || 0.5KG ||
==================================================
||WATER || 10 || 10Litres || 20Litres || 5Litres ||
==================================================

Here's how:

1. Use an air-tight plastic container.
2. Dilute sugar in water, follow by adding vegetable and fruit dregs.
3. Leave some space in the container for fermentation.
4. Close it tight.
5. During the first month, gases will be released during fermentation process. Release the pressure built up in the container to avoid rupturing.
6. Push the floating garbage downward every once in a while.
7. Place at cool, dry and well ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight Let ferment for at least 3 months before use.

Take notes:

1. Do not use glass or metal containers that cannot expand.
2. Garbage for making enzyme does not include paper, plastic, metal or glass materials.
3. Avoid oily cooked food, fish or meat residues (can be used as garden compost material), To make a fresh smelling enzyme, add orange, lemon peel or pandan leave etc.
4. The ideal colour of garbage enzyme is dark brown. If it turned black, add in same amount of sugar to start fermentation process again.
5. It may have a white, black or brown layer on top of the enzyme, ignore it. If you encounter flies and worms in the container, leave it and the chemical reaction of enzyme will resolve them naturally. Close and seal the cover tightly.
6. Make full use of garbage enzyme residue:
>> Reuse for next production by adding fresh garbage.
>> Use as fertilizer by drying the residue, blend it and bury in the ground
>> Grind the residue, pour into toilet bowl, add some brown sugar and flush to help purify sewage
7. If you have not gathered enough kitchen waste, you may fill up the container gradually. The 3 month fermentation period start from the day you place your last batch of kitchen waste.
8. Garbage enzyme is at its best after 6 months of fermentation. The longer it takes, the better it gets. Garbage enzyme will never expire. Do not store in the refrigerator.
9. Help protect our ozone layer, if every household utilised their garbage to produce garbage enzyme, It can stop kitchen waste from polluting our land and meanwhile generate enough ozone gas to ease global warming. You can help change the climate!

Direction for use:

Garbage enzyme can be used diluted with water at a specific dilution ratio.

FOR GARDENING OR FARMING:

Dilute to 1000 times with water for use as natural insecticides, herbicides, pesticides and organic fertilisers. Also can be used to stimulate plant hormone to improve quality of fruits and vegetables and to increase crop yield.
Spray on land for 3 months continuously to improve soil quality.

#######################################################################################################################
#DILUTION RATE # USAGE # QUANTITY # APPLICATION #
#######################################################################################################################
# # Bath (add in bath water to improves skin condition) # 50~100cc # Keep overnight #

# # Washing machine (clean and soften laundry) # 20-50cc # Soak and wash #

# Concentrated # Toilet bowl (prevent blockage & purify sewage) # 250cc # Pour and flush #

# Enzyme # Toilet cistern (purify water) # 20-50cc (two caps) # 2-3 times/ weeks #

# # Garden pond & water tank (purify water) # 1/10,000 litre water # Add occasionally #

# # Leather sofa (clean mold or stain) # Appropriate amount # Spray and wipe every 10 days #

#######################################################################################################################
# # Carpet & tatami mat (deodorise & antiseptic) # Slightly moist # Spray 1-2 times/month #

# # Shoe, inside the car (deodorise & antiseptic) # Appropriate amount # Spray occasionally #

#10-50 times # Kitchen sink, stove, cooker hood (clean oily stain) # Appropriate amount # Soak and wipe occasionally#

# # Black mold (anti-fungal) # Appropriate amount # Soak and wipe occasionally#

# # Pet excretion, pet house (deodorise & antiseptic) # Appropriate amount # Spray occasionally #

#######################################################################################################################
#200-500 times # Air-cond room (humidifier, deodorise & antiseptic) # Appropriate amount # Spray occasionally #
#######################################################################################################################
# # Bathroom sink (clean) # Appropriate amount # Soak and wipe occasionally#

# # Cabinet and refrigerator (deodorise) # Appropriate amount # Spray occasionally #

#500 times # Drain (prevent drainpipe blockage) # Appropriate amount # Flush occasionally #

# # Pet (bathing, deodorise & antiseptic) # Appropriate amount # Upon bathing or brushing #

# # Toilet (clean, deodorise & antiseptic) # Appropriate amount # Spray when wiping #

#######################################################################################################################
#500 - 1000 times # Indoor (purify air, deodorise & pest control) # Appropriate amount # Spray frequently #

# # Closet, clothes (deodorise & antiseptic) # Slightly moist # Spray occasionally #

#######################################################################################################################
#1000 times # Seeding and planting (fertiliser) # Appropriate amount # Rinse once #

#######################################################################################################################

Save on household cleaner and bodycare:

For shampoo, dish wash, laundry liquid etc: use enzyme to multiply and to reduce chemical residues.
Ratio = 1 part enzyme : 1 part detergent/cleaner : 10 parts water
Washing vegetables: Add 30ml (2 tbsp) enzyme to 1 liter water. Soak for 45 minutes.
Floor cleaning: Add 30ml (2 tbsp) enzyme to moping water. To clean and sterilise.
Car care: Add 30ml (2 tbsp) enzyme to water tank to reduce car temperature.

NOTE: I have posted some other posts / videos regarding Garbage Enzyme. You can find all these posts tagged Enzyme

100 Gold Brooklyn Green Condos

Written by Preston Koerner | April 9, 2009 | read more: Condo, Residential

Green building is bursting at the seams in New York, and if you don’t believe me, just read Green Buildings NYC. The REDD Group shot us an email of a project they’re working on in Brooklyn (or more specifically, Vinegar Hill and Dumbo) called 100 Gold. They tell us 100 Gold is one of the first green residential developments in the area, which is surprising considering all the activity I read about on gbNYC. The 10-unit, condo building will open a model apartment on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. Here is what to expect from 100 Gold:

• Radiant floor heating
• Energy-efficient mechanical systems
• Operable floor-to-ceiling windows
• Abundant interior natural light
• Energy Star appliances
• Water-efficient dual-flush toilets
• Zero-VOC Ivy Coatings paints
• Recycled finishing materials
• Locally-made hand blown glass light fixtures
• Roof pavers made from 100% recycled tires
• Rooftop gardens with landscaping and deck

The place will have free storage, a 15-year tax abatement, and bicycle storage, etc. In total, 100 Gold comprises six one bedroom units, two duplex studios—one with a private yard, and two duplex apartments with one bedroom, loft, and private terraces. Current prices range from $525k - $935k.

Rendering credits: Redd Group.

Reusable Shopping Bags: Which Is the Greenest of Them All?

by Pablo Paster, San Francisco on 03.23.09

Image via HowStuffWorks.com

Dear Pablo: I want to switch to reusable shopping bags. (Yes I should have done it years ago.) However, all the stores in my area seem to sell bags made of polypropylene. Is the manufacturing process of these bags bad for the environment too? Is canvas or nylon any better? Which do I choose?

The greening of mainstream society has added additional complexity to the age-old "paper or plastic" dilemma (read more on the paper or plastic issue here. We all understand that reusable shopping bags are more environmentally responsible than disposable paper bags or plastic bags. But which reusable shopping bag--a canvas bag, polyester bag, or polypropylene bag--is really the best eco-choice? Let's look at the options.

Shopping Bags: Canvas Bag

The first reusable shopping bag to gain popularity was the canvas bag. Canvas totes are available in conventional cotton, organic cotton, or even hemp. The environmental impact of conventional cotton cultivation is well known--a major percentage of the world's herbicides are used to defoliate cotton prior to harvesting. While organic cotton is better, both conventional and organic cotton use a significant amount of water, so the environmental impact of the fabric bag is directly proportional to its weight. One of my organic cotton shopping bags weighs 187 grams but another cotton bag that I have is made of a much thinner fabric and weighs only 75 grams. If you are looking for a canvas bag, look for a lighter one. It will still hold more weight than a plastic or paper bag.

Shopping Bags: Polyester Tote Bag

Polyester tote bags, such as the ChicoBag, are easily portable shopping bags made from a very thin but durable fabric. The bag is about the same size as a disposable plastic bag used for shipping and stows neatly in an integrated pouch that fits in the palm of your hand and clips to your purse or fits in your pocket. At 35 grams, the manufacturing of the polyester material for one bag creates 89 grams of greenhouse gas emissions, which compares to the manufacture of just seven disposable plastic shopping bags. ChicoBag now also makes a bag that is made from seven recycled soda bottles.

Shopping Bags: Polypropylene Bag

Another shopping bag that has been gaining popularity is made from polypropylene and is designed in the shape of a brown paper shopping bag. These bags, such as hose made by One Bag at a Time, can now be found at the checkout lines pretty much everywhere, from Safeway supermarkets to Ace hardware stores. One Bag at a Time's website provides some great information on the environmental benefits of using these bags. At 103 grams, the manufacturing of the polypropylene material for each bag creates 138 grams of greenhouse gas emissions, which compares to the manufacture of 11 disposable plastic shopping bags.

And the Winner for Greenest Shopping Bag Is...

The difference in environmental impact between the polyester bag and the polypropylene bag is negligible, especially when compared to the disposable paper and plastic bags. The impact of canvas bags is higher, but still negligible when compared with the disposable alternatives over time. Ultimately, what is most important, regardless of your choice, is that you use the reusable shopping bag.

Reclaimed Factory Cart Table from Restoration Hardware

Reclaimed Factory Cart Table from Restoration Hardware
by Bridgette Steffen

We love this early 1900’s vintage factory cart, which was once used to transport furniture, fabrics and supplies around a factory floor. Restoration Hardware has restored these fabulous white oak carts and their cast iron hardware for use as a coffee table. The wheels still function, so perhaps you could still use it help transport heavy objects.

Garbage Enzyme环保酵素 拯救地球

风暴侵袭、土地龟裂、冰川融化、海水高涨……孕育着万物亿年的大地之母，面对人类的“杰作”，已经在咆哮抗议。环 保运动随着在世界各地兴起，其中新近研发的环保酵素，也为地球环保捎来佳音。把家里要丢弃的蔬果皮变成保护地球的酵素，制作过程简单而不复杂，你也能成为 环保一份子。


在离地面20-30公里的距离，大自然形成的臭氧层给地球以及地球上生活着的每一个生命，都建起了防止太阳紫外线和宇宙辐射的保护圈。然而，近几十年来由 于人类经济活动的快速成长，森林大量被砍伐、所制造之化学品及产生之空气污染，正以空前未有之速度，改变大气层的结构。地球的保护圈为之变得越来越稀薄， 使到地球升温、冰川融化、海水高涨淹没大地……所谓“地球暖化”，由此而来。

不管是教科书上、报章杂志、电视广播、网络上等，相关的资料与知识可是一箩筐，多得不胜枚举。在这么强烈的资讯轰炸下，相信大家对“温室效应”、“地球暖 化”等热门名词，应该不感到陌生。但知道归知道，大部份的人对于这些环保课题多少抱着与我何干的心态，觉得自己小小的力量并不能改变什么。孰不知道，其实 “地球暖化”影响着整个地球的生态，与每一个生活在地球上的生物息息相关。

近年来，全球气候异常，不是大雨引发水灾就是炎热引发旱灾，海啸、热浪、洪水、森林大火等新闻时有所闻，这都是地球发给我们的警讯，提醒大家是时候为环保尽一份心力了。每个人只要凭着自己小小的力量，就可以协力扭转地球被破坏的命运。

来自泰国的乐素昆博士(Dr.Rosukon)研究酵素30余年，成功研究出环保酵素(也称垃圾酵素，Garbage Enzyme)。环保酵素就是利用菜渣、果皮等鲜垃圾制成的，不但制作过程简单、制作材料随手可得、节省金钱、用途广泛、减少垃圾量，还对环保起着很大的 作用。

在马来西亚，我们也发现到两位极力推广环保酵素的环保达人，他们是来自槟城的温秀枝医师 （Dr.Joean Oon)及泰国的吗哈老师（Mr. Mahaprajuap），他们两位皆到乐素昆博士的健康之家（Health Farm)学习，并致力于到世界各地推广环保酵素。通过多方打听，本刊以第一时间联络上这两位充满爱心的环保达人，并与他们进行专访，将环保酵素的制作过 程及种种好处与读者们分享。

材料：黑糖/黄糖 1kg 、鲜垃圾 3 kg、水 10L
备注：搜集到3kg的鲜垃圾，就必须加入1kg的黑糖及10L的水，以此类推。

步骤：
1 将搜集到的鲜垃圾切成小块，以加速分解过程。
2 随后将鲜垃圾倒进瓷器，陶缸或者塑胶缸里。切记选用较大的容器制作酵素，以防止酵素发酵时溢出容器外。
3 加入适当比例的黑糖及水，稍微搅拌。
4 黑糖水需盖过垃圾，把浮在液面上的垃圾按下去，使其浸泡在液体中。将容器盖紧，必须发酵至少三个月。

注意事项：
1)鲜垃圾包括剩饭、鲜菜叶、水果皮等准备丢掉的蔬菜或植物，不包括废纸、塑胶、金属罐头与瓶子。
2)制作过程中会有气体（臭氧）产生，如果使用窄口的容器（如矿泉水瓶），切记每天将瓶口稍微打开，用来卸放气体（至少每星期卸气一次，否则瓶子将会被撑破）。如果使用宽口的容器，气体会自然被挤出，较无上述问题。
3)制作过程中如果发现苍蝇卵，不必担心也不必理会，发酵过程将会把它们分解掉，这也说明了环保酵素不会对生物带来危害。
4)若发现液体表面产生白色、黑色或棕色的微生物，不必理会，让它继续发酵。
5)使用蔬菜水果的厨馀而不使用鱼、肉等厨馀，是为了使制作出来的酵素味道比较清新。如果希望制作出来的酵素有较好的气味，可于制作过程中加入橘子皮、柠檬皮及班兰叶等气味较好的蔬菜果皮。
6)若一时无法搜集到这么大量的鲜垃圾，可陆续加入鲜垃圾，3个月的期限由最后一次加入鲜垃圾那天算起。
7)制作过程中可加入与黑糖同样比例的菌母，加速发酵过程。（菌母又称为菌精，可在有机店买到。）
8)成功的环保酵素应该呈棕黄色，且有橘子般的刺激气味，将制好的环保酵素过滤到瓶子中待用。若酵素呈现黑色，即腐败，不成功了，只要加入同样份量的黑糖，重新发酵即可。
9)环保酵素应置放于空气流通、阴凉的地方，避免阳光直接照射。

How to Make Garbage Enzyme

Black sugar is one of the ingredients needed for making garbage enzyme.

This kitchen waste is another ingredient used for the production of garbage enzyme.

These bottles contain kitchen waste with black sugar and water. Fermentation will take place in the bottles for 3 months. Then after filtration and removal of the residue, garbage enzyme is obtained. The residue can be used again for a new batch of production by adding fresh garbage. The residue can also be dried, then blended and buried in the ground as a fertilizer.

These bottles of garbage enzyme are ready for use.

SUMMER STYLE: Banana Fiber Eco-Accessories by Creollus

Banana Fiber Eco-Accessories by Creollus

by Abigail Doan

There is no disputing that Brazilian fashion really sets the standard for sexy bikinis, Ipanema beachwear and curvy, nature-inspired design. With this weekend marking a high-wattage celebration of swimwear collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami, we are taking a little time out here in sweltering NYC – to celebrate all things Brazilian – Rosa Cha swimwear, a cool caipirinha drink with organic lime, ethanol made from sugarcane, recycled Melissa Shoes, and what the heck, Gisele Bündchen (she did once date Leonardo DiCaprio)! But not to be overlooked is the latest collection from Creollus designs. We were recently tipped off on their one-of-a-kind, banana fiber bikinis and eco-chic accessories. If going totally organic is truly your M.O. for flaunting what you’ve got, look no further as crocheted-pieces by Creollus will definitely reveal the real you!

The Candice recycled banana fiber Collection by Creollus is a fair trade enterprise that promotes artisan-made goods and recycled, homespun resourcefulness. Their super-cute bikini, tote, and beach pieces are hand-crocheted by two women artisans from southern Brazil. The founders of Creollus wanted to find a viable use for the banana plant fiber that is often discarded after fruit harvesting. They consequently found an innovative way to sustainably prepare and crochet this strong and biodegradable fiber into stylish cover-ups, bikinis, totes, and brimmed sun hats.

Launched in 2001, Creollus has created an impressive network of Brazilian handcrafters who aid in the protection of the environment when creating these one-of-a-kind garments. The founder states,” At Creollus, we are making a real difference by creating a sustainable resource for commonly discarded but highly recyclable materials. Our entire company product inventory is born from techniques that equally value and respect a cleaner and healthier natural environment through the recycling of common commercial and household materials. In creating our company, we are enabling a unique group of sorely underserved artists to form a business cooperative that will significantly improve their standard of living, and give them an appreciative, worldwide audience for their craft.”

+ Creollus Collection

Hand-crocheted banana fiber eco-bikini with pouch by Creollus

Hand-crocheted banana fiber eco tote by Creollus

Hand-crocheted banana fiber eco tote (detail) by Creollus

Banana fiber jewelry by Creollus

MERRELL GATHERER COAT: Stuff your jacket to keep warm

MERRELL GATHERER COAT: Stuff your jacket to keep warm
by Jorge Chapa

Ever wished that you could put in just a bit more insulation in your jacket? That’s the idea behind the really stylish and cool looking Gatherer Jacket by Merrell. The translucent jacket comes as a shell with no insulation, but is equipped with a number of zippers throughout its body where the wearer stuff the jacket with whatever insulation material is on hand. Shredded paper, pine needles, fallen leaves or yesterday’s newspaper - the Gatherer offers endless ways to keep warm with some creative recycling of found objects.

The translucent Nylon fabric allows the wearer to showcase his insulation material, making the jacket customizable in terms of insulation levels, but also as a method of self expression where you can show off your choice of insulation to the world. Another benefit comes from the modularity: you can adjust the location of the insulation, so if you need a bit more warmth in your chest area, and less in your arms it’s just a matter of adjusting the stuffed materials.

This jacket seems like an excellent idea for camping enthusiasts - it won’t take too much space to pack, it’s waterproof and will allow you to keep warm wherever you go. The Gatherer is available now for both men and women at $99.

+ Merrell Gatherer Jacket

Top photo via Popular Mechanics

SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Ecoist recycled MTA map clutch

SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Ecoist recycled MTA map clutch
by Abigail Doan

We love our mass transit art here, but never envisioned it as something that you could flaunt dangling off your wrist. The Ecoist MTA clutch is a colorful and cute way to navigate city streets in sleek sustainable style. Made from 100% repurposed NYC subway maps, this wristlet clutch is perfect for urban jaunts and lightweight toting. A trash-to-treasure accessory such as this is not only an eco-friendly way to repurpose materials, but also serves as a streamline, incognito way to stash personal belongings!

Strong, sturdy, and water resistant – clutch accessories never functioned so practically while looking so chic. Crafted out of hand-folded, recycled NYC subway maps that are coated with cellophane, this zip-close and self-lined bag is perfect for a cell phone, keys, glasses, and an eco-lip balm. The plastic wristlet is also detachable. Ecoist’s products are Fair Trade and made in Mexico and Peru. Ecoist also makes other super cute clutches out of candy wrappers, soda labels, and food packaging. A sustainably sweet and resourceful enterprise!

$22 - $58 from Ecoist

+ Ecoist
+ Also available at Eco Citizen

Astro Boy Mural made from Recycled Subway Tickets!

Astro Boy Mural made from Recycled Subway Tickets!
by Mike Chino

Astro Boy, Japan’s favorite mid-century anime android, was recently immortalized in a stunning metro ticket tableau at the Shinjuku Takashimaya department store. The pointillist portrait is composed of scores of recycled subway tickets folded into black and white squares to create a pixel-perfect rendition of the iconic robot as he ushers in a new era of public transportation. Created to celebrate Tokyo’s new Fukotoshin subway, the mural measures 10′ by 7′ and is composed of a staggering 138,000 tickets.

We love to see projects that explore innovative applications for cast-off materials, and this Astro Boy artwork strikes us as the perfect way to stir public sentiment around an exciting development in public transit. The new Fukotoshin line will ease inner city congestion by providing convenient service through the northwest, southwest, and central districts of Tokyo. The piece was created entirely through the collaborative efforts of a team of volunteers, and serves as a testament to the emblematic appeal of Astro Boy, whose modern message has resonated through Japanese culture since his creation in the 1950’s.

Thanks to Seireeni for the tip!

Human Body Heat to Heat Green Building in Sweden

Human Body Heat to Heat Green Building in Sweden
by Jorge Chapa

What is the next frontier in renewable energy? People! And no, we don’t mean them being used as in soylent green, but rather, to use the energy generated from the movement of large numbers of pedestrians through an occupied space. We’ve already highlighted the use of pressure pads to generate electricity, but plans are now afoot to take the heat energy generated by a human being and use it to heat a building in Sweden.
Built in 1871, Stockholm Central Station is the largest train station in the country and in the nordic region. Around 250,000 persons pass through it every day. It is the heat generated from these visitors that the state owned company, Jernhuset, wants to use for heating the new complex which will include an office building, a hotel and a retail section. How does it work? quite simply, the heat generated will warm up water running through pipes which will be installed in the station. The water will be pumped to the new building and used to heat the spaces inside.

“This is old technology, but used in a new way. It’s just pipes, water and pumps, but we haven’t heard of anyone else using this technology in this way before,” said Karl Sundholm leader for the new project.

+ People power to warm new building in Stockholm

LILYPAD: Floating City for Climate Change Refugees

LILYPAD: Floating City for Climate Change Refugees
by Jorge Chapa

There are very few urban design solutions that address housing the inevitable tide of displaced people that could arise as oceans swell under global warming. Certainly none are as spectacular as this one. The Lilypad, by Vincent Callebaut, is a concept for a completely self-sufficient floating city intended to provide shelter for future climate change refugees. The intent of the concept itself is laudable, but it is Callebaut’s phenomenal design that has captured our imagination.

Biomimicry was clearly the inspiration behind the design. The Lilypad, which was designed to look like a waterlily, is intended to be a zero emission city afloat in the ocean. Through a number of technologies (solar, wind, tidal, biomass), it is envisioned that the project would be able to not only produce it’s own energy, but be able to process CO2 in the atmosphere and absorb it into its titanium dioxide skin.

Each of these floating cities are designed to hold approximately around 50,000 people. A mixed terrain man-made landscape, provided by an artificial lagoon and three ridges, create a diverse environment for the inhabitants. Each Lilypad is intended to be either near a coast, or floating around in the ocean, traveling from the equator to the northern seas, according to where the gulf stream takes it.

The project isn’t even close to happening anytime soon, but there is value in future forward designs like the Lilypad. They inspire creative solutions, which at some point, may actually provide a real solution to the climate change problem.

+ Lilypad, a floating ecopolis for climate refugees

via Freshhome

Could we solve global warming by sucking CO2 from the air?

Could we solve global warming by sucking CO2 from the air?

by Jorge Chapa

Imagine for a moment that we could buy ourselves some time in this climate change debacle by vacuuming greenhouse gas emissions out of the sky. Sucking CO2 from the atmosphere might be the ultimate green dream technology, with the capacity to solve all of our climate change problems. But, could it really happen? A group of scientists from Columbia University think that this ultimate solution might actually be a possibility.

The team, led by Klaus Lackner, have patented a device that they claim can remove CO2 from air. The innovation, as designed, would be able to capture the CO2 from the atmosphere by using absorbent plastic sheets, similar to the ion exchange membranes used to purify water. This is the easy part, as capturing CO2 has been doable for a while now. The problem was that there was no energy efficient way to separate the CO2 from the membranes, which meant that the membranes couldn’t be reused. The scientists’ breakthrough has to do with humidity. What the team discovered was that by changing the amount of humidity in the air, the membranes will effectively exhale the pure CO2 gas.

But before you go around thinking that the world is saved, and exclaiming to everyone that they can stop following this “green fad,” realize that even the scientists don’t believe that this is the panacea to all of our problems. The planned prototype, which will be finished in two years, will cost 100,000 GBP (near $200,000 USD), be smaller than a shipping container and be capable of eliminating around 1 ton of CO2. To put this in perspective, 1 ton of CO2 is about the same amount that a person generates by flying from London to New York, once.

Powerful tool if it comes to pass. However, we think that it is best if we still follow the only real solution to climate change: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Could US Scientist's 'CO2 Catcher' Help To Slow Warming

CORRUGATED CARDBOARD LAPTOP CASE

CORRUGATED CARDBOARD LAPTOP CASE

by Adele Chong

With the overwhelming number of generic black laptop totes flooding the market these days, it was refreshing to have a close encounter with Giles Miller’s unique Corrugated Cardboard Laptop Case at London’s [re]Design exhibit this fall. Sturdy, stylish, and completely sustainable, the cardboard lining the front of Miller’s tree-loving creation is 100% recycled, and the unique fluting gives its wearer the option to personalize it with custom designs such as one’s initials (or an apple logo — as shown here).

Photo from PSFK fashion

If you are looking for something a little warmer, the case also comes in cosier-looking versions craftily constructed out of old carpet patches.

Feeding off the plethora of potential possibilites that have become available to him via working with sustainable design, the young UK designer primarily focuses his energy on three primary categories of sustainability: using recycled and recyclable materials, using all-natural materials and re-using existing objects and products. Miller showed off a number of other recycled corregated cardboard pieces at the London Design Festival this year, including tables, lamps and room dividers. His simple but brilliant fluting process is what caught our eye and makes this refined work rise above all the other cardboard designers out there.

+ Giles Miller

CORRUGATED CARDBOARD LAMP by Giles Miller

CORRUGATED CARDBOARD LAMP by Giles Miller

by Adele Chong

Recycled cardboard has enjoyed a fair bit of action as far as the sustainable furniture circuit is concerned - but how often is it that you a see a lamp being fashioned out of the stuff? Employing his signature technique of ‘fluting’, which involves the alternating the angle of the corrugation in the cardboard to produce varied designs and patterns on its surface, UK designer Giles Miller manages to whip up an intriguing design that emphasizes the softer, diaphanous side of a rough-and-tumble material which isn’t normally regarded as delicate or sophisticated. Sustainable and chic, Miller’s lamp not only looks good, it creates instant atmosphere with one flick of the switch by peppering the room with light and moody shadows.

Currently making up one-quarter of the UK design group, Farm Designs, Miller has been hot stuff at design shows since recently graduating from Loughborough University School of Art and Design.

+ Giles Miller @ Farm Designs

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Power From Rubbish

Published June 9, 2008

Every cloud has a silver lining so they say ….. and it seems the old expression applies even to the much-maligned landfill site.

In America, gas from landfill sites is now being used as an alternative form of energy for around a million homes.

And as demand grows for alternative energy sources, experts predict that its use will become much more widespread.

Landfill gas is produced by the breaking down of organic matter in waste dumped in a landfill site and is made up of both methane and carbon dioxide.

Waste Management companies are now building special plants that can convert the gas into energy for household use and it is estimated that many landfill sites have sufficient gas to run for around 20 years.



In the UK alone, around 100 million tonnes of waste goes to landfill every year and if the gas it produces is simply left for release into the atmosphere, it is a potent greenhouse gas. There is also a danger that it could leak offsite to nearby buildings and cause explosions.

So, using it as a form of renewable energy actually avoids two potential problems in addition to saving fossil fuels!

This summer, sustainable energy company, ENER-G will open the UK’s first waste gasification plant on the Isle of Wight, generating enough power to serve around 3000 homes.

Planning permission has also been given for another plant in Irvine, Scotland where building is due to begin later this year and the company is also hoping to build a smaller plant on Merseyside. This would generate enough electricity for over 10,000 homes and produce heat for use by neighbouring businesses.

Susan

How to recycle an old computer