Jip Piet Hilhorst’s Dirt Table Dishes Up a Variety of Edible Greens
by: Inhabitat , 2011-08-17 19:45:41 UTC

The Ecological Table, designed by Dutch artist Jip Piet Hilhorst, is an awesome piece of living furniture created entirely from soil and plants. A variety of edible herbs are planted in the moisture-rich soil that forms the table’s structure, nurturing the link that connects the farm to our plate. All who sit down to a meal at the table will be reminded of the need to support local farms.

Read the rest of Jip Piet Hilhorst’s Dirt Table Dishes Up a Variety of Edible Greens

---

Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg
Post tags: dirt nutrition, dutch art, eco furniture, ecological table, garden table, green design, Jip Piet Hilhorst

Eco-bathroom – Water Saving Toilet Concept
by: EnviroGadget, 2011-08-17 09:00:40 UTC

The Eco-bathroom is a concept design for a toilet and washbasin unit where the water used in the sink is stored to flush the toilet. The concept design has a sleek and elegant look to it, a modern feel that would look good in a majority of bathrooms while helping you to save on your water usage.

The Eco-bathroom Concept has been designed by Michael Passos. Everyone is aware these days that we must conserve water, and for those on a water meter there is the added incentive to reduce costs. So much perfectly useable water simply runs down a plughole to go to waste in homes all around the world, water than could be used for flushing toilets and other such activities.

The Eco-bathroom combines a toilet with a washbasin, the water used in the basin is stored for use flushing the toilet, helping to reduce the amount of water used significantly. Many toilets can waste up to 9lt of water a flush, and depending on the number of people within a household that can add up to a lot of water. There are other systems that will also achieve this for you currently, either devices to install yourself or complete systems to install, however many can look rather dated, and can even be rather untidy to look at. This concept differs by offering you all the eco-friendly benefits in a modern and stylish system.

Source: iGreenSpot

Want to buy this gadget? Check out the Eco-bathroom – Water Saving Toilet Concept article on EnviroGadget to see the lowest prices for this gadget.

© 2008 to 2011 EnviroGadget.com. You can now keep up with the latest eco-gadgets on the EnviroGadget Facebook page. Why not help us to spread the word?

Related posts:

1. Perfect Flush – Toilet Water Saving Gadget
2. Sloan’s Greywater System – Recycles water for toilet flushing
3. Air-Based PropelAir Toilet Flush System

Emergency Rescue Bike
by: Yanko Design, 2011-08-17 07:01:42 UTC

Designed for use by the Coast Guard, the Sharpshooter electric bike concept aims to be a viable alternative to the current limited range motorcycles for routine patrols and emergency rescues. For water rescues, the body can be bent and transformed into a lightweight throwing device and the motor can be used as a winch for collecting rope quickly. Aside from being multifunctional, this electric bike is a more environmentally friendly way of patrolling compared to the common motorcycle.

Designer: Jurmol Yao

----------

Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Yanko Design Store - We are about more than just concepts. See what's hot at the YD Store!

10 coolest solar powered speakers for green audiophiles
by: Ecofriend, 2011-08-16 06:52:24 UTC
Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

Speakers have the power to enliven the whole place with soul-wrenching tunes and force audiophiles to slip into a state of pure bliss. But, have you ever felt guilty while using electricity sucking speakers just to entertain yourself? People are getting all the more conscious about the ever-deteriorating environment and consumption of precious resources. This has motivated designers to craft music-whiffing instruments that harness energy of the sun. Below is a list of solar powered speakers that vow to bring green music to the ears of eco-freaks.

1) Carrot Solar Speaker:

This portable speaker looks way too cute. Carry it while traveling and enjoy good quality music on the go. Couple it with your MP3 or PMP and dive into the world of your favorite tracks. The façade is quite impressive and has been crafted from ABS plastic and comes embedded with aluminum speakers. Solar panels have been beautifully concealed inside the body and spread out when it has to be charged. Its sleek designing and color options make the solar speaker an instant hit amongst the stylish population.

2) Disko SU 1:

Disko SU 1 speaker has been given plain looks. The fully self-powered speaker will make outdoor gatherings all the more fun. The top has been wedged with a solar panel that traps energy from the sun. The sustainable option whiffs out crystal clear sounds and can be used with a variety of gadgets including laptops and smartphones. It creates a disco type feel because of the presence of three LED lights.

3) Solar Sound:

Solar sound is Japan’s first solar powered speakers and comes fitted with solar panels at the top. The 290 gm speakers harness energy from the sun with the help of lithium-ion batteries. It will keep entertaining users for a good five to eight hours once fully charged. Connect your iPods, MP3 players and other portable devices through a stereo mini input. It’s 2W x 2ch audio output will leave listeners in a state of awe.

4) Gramo solar-powered speakers:

If you are a party animal who cares for the environment, then Gramo solar-powered speakers will leave you impressed. These eye-catching speakers have been fitted with three layers of photovoltaic panels, which will trap enough energy to keep you drenched with the musical aura. The speaker has soft touch controls for easy volume adjustment. It takes a flat form when folded and hence it ranks easy on the storage graph. So, fit it with your preferred gadget and set the party mood the green way.

5) Outdoor Solar Wireless speakers:

Outdoor Solar Wireless speakers help you save precious resources and exploit solar power for a better living. The eco-friendly speakers will leave environment lovers drooling all over the creation. You can easily connect your MP3 player, iPod, CD player, TV or stereo and drown in the charm of all-weather 900MHz speakers. The solar panels are in-built and ensure clean and green tunes.

6) Sunflower Outdoor speaker concept:

Give your parties a touch of eco-friendliness with the Sunflower Outdoor Speaker concept. The green creation has been designed by Ignacio Pilotto and comes fitted with solar cells. These cells charge the lithium battery present in the design. The concept gets energy from UV rays with the help of a solar cell center when placed in the direction of sun rays. A user can easily position it at a desired angle by rotating and enjoy great music. LED lights have been used to display the energy/battery status.

7) Hexound solar powered speakers:

Hexasound solar powered speakers double as headphones. The dual usage product has been designed by Zhong-Fa Lie and exploits renewable solar energy for its functioning. The wireless creation has been embedded with photovoltaic cells that are present in its band. Swap it from the headphone to speaker mode by flipping a switch present.

8) Solar powered wireless amplified speakers:

Solar powered wireless amplified speakers have been specially designed by iGadget for the music loving generation. It has seven rechargeable AA batteries that make listening to music nothing less than a treat. The top of this all-weather gadget has been embedded with solar panels that trap enough energy from the sun. The speakers can be attuned with a laptop, TV, DVD/MP3/CD player, and all kinds of audio outputs. With a 900 MHz frequency, the Solar powered wireless speakers are accompanied with a remote control, connector cable, transmitter, power supply, a receiver and seven rechargeable AA batteries.

9) Solar Sound System:

The curvy creation by designers Paolo Metaldi and Luca Elli are quite elegant. The upper part of the design features photovoltaic panels, while the lower portion embraces the speaker. The handy system can be used both indoors and outdoors. It will sprinkle a magical aura with ergonomic handles and an assortment of plastic covers.

10) SunnySong:

The flower-shaped speaker system is solar-powered and whiffs green music. The speaker further makes good use of Bluetooth technology and will feature A2DP/AVRCP Bluetooth. SunnySong has been designed to make hearts melt the environmentally-friendly way.

10 recycled instruments designed to play green music
by: Ecofriend, 2011-08-16 06:51:49 UTC
Garima Goel:

The concept of recycling is not at all new. Most of us are probably aware of the numerous benefits of recycling. The waste that is generated in homes and businesses is quite under control. Thanks to recycling as it reduces the reliance on landfill areas. It also helps us to reduce the environmental impacts of industrial production saving energy and reduces emissions of greenhouse gases. Our natural recourses are also safeguarded when we recycle or reuse the discarded materials and create new products. Making use of recycled materials and giving them a new life is a trend being followed by artists of various industries like fashion, craft, architecture etc. to name a few. People have tried to relate recycling with music and have wondrously succeeded. Out of many green musical instruments we have incorporated the ten best.

1. Hybrid Instruments

New York based artist and musician Ken Butler displayed his ‘Hybrid instruments’ at the Mulvane Art Museum which were the centre of attraction at the museum. He made these musical instruments out of junk and discarded hair clips, combs, hockey sticks and umbrella. Butler took inspiration from assemblage to create his stringed instruments.

2. Bash the Trash

‘Bash the trash’ is a musical group which was founded by New York based Bertles and his wife, Carina Piaggio. This group performs in various schools, concert halls, corporate functions etc. with musical instruments, all built out of trash and found objects. It also inform people on how to create musical instruments out of trash

3. Recycled ice cream stick guitar from anonymous artist

An unknown eco-artist has created a beautiful eco-friendly guitar by making use of around 4000 ice cream sticks which we often throw away in garbage bins or carelessly along sidewalks.the artist has worked continuously for ten day to symmetrically assemble the ice cream stick to create the guitar. This recycled music instrument is priced at somewhere around $900.

4. Recycling to create musical instruments in Japan

In a television show in Japan, the participants were given household items to make musical instruments. A saxophone was created from a film case, a pipe and part of a balloon. Plastic bottles, cup ramen containers, and straws were used to create a set of horns that took home the price of 500,000 yen.

5. Karam’s Residual Gurus

Barcelona based musical group called Karam has a talent of converting junk into musical instruments. The group has been performing a show called ‘Residual gurus’ in which they make use of musical instrument made out of rubbish, that creates mesmerising melody making the audience spellbound. They perform this show with a motive to create awareness about trash problem.

6. Students create musical instruments from recycled materials

School kids at the Applewild School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts have taken the initiative of preserving the environment by creating unique musical instrument out of discarded junk and dumped articles like pots, pans, PVC pipes, washboards, water jugs etc. These students have inspire a common man to consider to reuse any item before throwing it in trash.

7. Junkyard campers create recycled sound sculptures

Musician Donald Knaack aka The Junkman who is a trained percussionist has created musical instruments from recycled pipes, coffee cans, license plates, plastic tubs, lawn ornaments etc. Wooden Xylophone and a drum set were also created by transforming farm equipments. 40 kids from Memphis helped the Junkman in constructing the musical instruments to be permanently displayed in the Junkyard Museum.

8. Sound sculpture made out of junk

Art teacher Michael Bingham has innovatively created ’sound sculpture’. To make this structure he along with his son collected junk, e-waste, wood scrap, plastic waste like umbrella bottoms, plastic-ware, broken tables and transformed them into musical instrument which produces an ear pleasing sound and is amazing to look at.

9. Innovative Instruments by Praxis Guitars

The guitar designing company Praxis Guitars has created guitars out of CNC routers and old books. Called the Praxis Zero, the instrument can achieve any sound effect as it lets its central body to join any handy object. Recycling is always kept in mind before creating the guitars and therefore salvaged and discarded materials are used.

10. CanUnDrum: Creating melodies from recycled trash since 2004

Santa Clarita Valley based musical group called CanUnDrum have been creating musical instruments from PVC pipes, 55-gallon buckets, pots and pans. The group has been entertaining audience since 2004, with melodious sounds produced from these recycled instruments.

Everything I need to know about biodegradable glue
by: Ecofriend, 2011-08-16 06:44:13 UTC
Sapna Bist:

Glues are made of chemicals and do not degrade over span of years. About more than 10 years back environmentalists started looking for environmental solution for protecting the earth from becoming a Land Fill. This led to evolution of the need of biodegrading or convert the waste from our home to form compost. This was the time when the idea of biodegradable glue evolved.

Biodegradable glue is synthetically formed glue, made from biological monomers (example sugars). The glue made from such substance has the features of biological tissue. Like biological tissue, this glue has the characteristics of decomposing. It can decompose to form water, methane, carbon dioxide, bio mass, or inorganic compounds. There are several substances that are used to make biodegradable glue, but of these the carbohydrates (starch) and proteins (gelatin) are used the most. But these two have been replaced by other synthetic options as they were not found to be adequate.

Trends:

1. Adhesive bandages to be replaced by eco-friendly, bio-degradable liquid: Though adhesive bandages are life-saving when someone is injured, they are non-biodegradable and deleterious for the environment. They are medical wastes that are contributing to the land fill. But now the environmentalists can relax as a biodegradable liquid has been invented by Hong Kong University researchers and Massachusetts Institute of Technology which serves the purpose of an adhesive bandage. Till date they have tested the liquid on rodents with exceptional results; the liquid stops the blood within seconds. The substance used for making this liquid is peptides (protein fragments). When applied to the wound, the peptides convert to a gel. This gel seals the wound and bleeding stops.

2. Strongest biodegradable glue from bacteria: Strongest glue known to human kind has been discovered by scientists together with an Indiana University biologist. This glue is the glue that assists a bacteria Caulobacter crescentus to stick and hang on to water pipes. This glue is so powerful that it can resist around five tons per square inch of force. This is equal to the force applied by three to four cars together.

This adhesive will be a breakthrough in the field of surgery and will replace staples and sutures and thus will give our environment huge relief from surgical wastes. Apart from this, the good news is that it is biodegradable glue and thus is environment friendly.

3. Low cost Bio degradable glue from fungus: Surgeons use a thread to stitch wounds during surgery. Glue named chitosan has been discovered by the Czech scientists which can be a substitute to the thread used for stitching wounds during surgeries. This glue will act similarly like the threads, but it has one more advantage that there will be no need of cutting the stitches post surgery. This glue is biodegradable, and will simply decompose in the body, and will leave no side effects. This glue can be produced from crustaceans. But producing glue from crustaceans is very expensive so to sort out this issue the Czech scientist found a fungus which can be used to produce this glue. This fungus is found in some used waste material. This source thus reduces the cost of production of the glue.

The benefits

Nature has a solution for every problem. That is the reason when people tried to discover they found several products that can be used to make biodegradable glue. The benefit of using these natural products is that they get decomposed and do not harm the nature and environment. We have seen that using what nature offers, we can make the strongest of the glues which is biodegradable. The natural biodegradable glue is also less in cost as compared. When biodegradable adhesives will be produced they will be complemented by the production of biodegradable plastic products, thus reducing pollution. We can get envelope adhesives, biomedical devices and packaging glue which will be nature friendly.

The lowdown

There is less awareness about biodegradable glue. The glue mentioned above which are being derived from nature are under inspection and study. The process of manufacturing these glue is complicated also.

The impact

Bio degradable glue availability in the market will be a step towards fulfillment of the dream of a green world. Packing would be done without the worry of harming the environment by causing pollution. Biodegradable glue will lead to reduction in use of plastic thus will save the environment. Extensive use of biodegradable glue in medicine will ensure fast recovery and healing of wounds. It would be a real dream come true when our wounds will not be stitched but glued.

Street Books: A pedal-powered library for the underprivileged
by: Ecofriend, 2011-08-16 09:37:14 UTC
Snigdha Dalmiya:

Laura Moulton is Portland Street’s new Messiah with her portable streetbook mobile. She has initiated a unique social program for the underprivileged who cannot afford access to real-time libraries. It is a weekly task for her as she sets out to reach out to the poor and enlighten them with her eclectic collection of books on wheels.

It is a very systematic and well thought out plan too. She maintains a register of those who wish to borrow her books and also personally interacts with them to make sure the books she gets for them are suitable for their reading. The mobile book cart looks like an old time ice cream cart which opens up and also slides out drawer on the side.

It is a simple social outreach where everything is carried out in a sustainable manner and help toward enhancement of knowledge and literature.

Via: Planetcustodian

10 self-powered cool mp3 players
by: The Design blog, 2011-08-16 10:17:42 UTC
Sayan Bandyopadhyay:

There is hardly a person who can claim to not being in love with music. It is undeniable that the medium of music has become more convenient with technological progress. Music used to reach people via gramophones earlier, from which the medium evolved into the cassette player. Now music reaches people through their portable mp3 player or iPod. Technology has taken a leap forward by bringing to you mp3 players that are self-powered, making them innovative and eco friendly. You can choose among any of the following self-powered mp3 players.

1. Skinny music mp3 player concept is powered by body heat

This music player is available in various colors and runs on body heat. You can attach this music player to your skin and listen to music while being on the move. The gadget gets charged while it is attached to your skin. You do not require headphones to listen to music with this device, and the power controls and flexible speakers assist you in listening to music without any hassle.

2. Spin and play MP3 player for music on the go

This gadget resembles a yo-yo and is easy to charge. The player includes a string rolled inside a cover of rubber. When you stretch the string, the friction produced gets converted into energy that can be stored in the rechargeable batteries present in the device. All you need to do is to simply spin this device and you will be able to listen to the music you love.

3. Chukka nunchuck-inspired MP3 player generates electricity for itself

This amazing music player gets charged based on movement only. The portion of the appliance that controls tracks includes an electromagnetic stimulator. This portion generates a charge that is created by any kind of motion. So the more you play with the device, the more the charge. The portion of the device that controls volume contains the output for the earphones as well as other components of the device.

4. Self-powered MP3 Player

This is the perfect gadget for you if you believe that jogging and music go hand-in-hand. The player has an integrated generator that produces kinetic energy, making it unnecessary for you to charge the device. You can easily navigate through a range of range of menus, using the joystick provided with the device. Also, metal pads are incorporated in the handgrip, so you can see your heart rate while you jog.

5. Shake MP3 Player

This device looks like a pocket watch and runs on motion as well. The player has an integrated electromagnetic coil that is attached to the battery. This coil produces electrical energy by converting kinetic energy. The electrical energy charges the battery. The machine can also be connected to the computer by using the earphone jack, thus assisting it in charging the usual way.

6. Walnut MP3 Player concept can be rolled to charge

This simple gadget is created keeping the visually impaired people in mind and functions with Braille. It is also for those who desire non-stop music from their device. The Walnut mp3 player consists of two circular things and can be charged by rolling it in your hands. The device produces energy, changes tracks or adjusts the volume of the speaker using the same pressure movement of the finger.

7. Green self powered MP3 player

This mp3 player can be charged by shaking it only. Whenever you run out of charge, all you need to do with the player is to shake it, and it will start running again. The Bluetooth and the touch sensor technology that is integrated in the device consume very less electricity and do not contribute to pollution.

8. Regen – Yo-yo your way into the world of music

This mp3 player is also charged by the movement of the yo-yo. The surface of the yo-yo has an integrated touchscreen that lets you perform the basic functions of the music player, such as ‘play’ and ‘stop’. The jog wheel assists in the forward as well as the volume controls. It comes with wireless earphones, a built-in USB port, Bluetooth and a docking station.

9. Dancepants Media MP3 Player powered by kinetic energy

This music player provides music as long as you are on the move. This music player also runs on kinetic energy and functions as long as you are jogging or dancing. As long as you are on the go, you can be sure that this gadget will provide you with music endlessly.

10. Shiro self-powered solar MP3 player

This innovative mp3 player looks and functions like any other electrically charged player. The essential difference is that this gadget contains solar photovoltaic cells. These cells charge the music player when exposed to the sun for four hours only. It can also be charged via the USB port and has up to 35hrs of battery life and up to 16GB of memory. It also includes video playback as well as a FM Tuner.

Vegan Steampunk USB Bracelet is Made from Recycled Linoleum Flooring
by: TreeHugger Design, 2011-08-15 00:32:03 UTC
All Images Courtesy of Jesse Herbert Designer Jesse Herbert, who also works as a musician, wanted a way to distribute his music to friends and customers that wasn't as wasteful as CDs. He decided on USB keys, but wasn't content to just hand out the devices themselves. So he built them into steampunk-inspired, vegan-friendly cuffs, made from a pretty surprising source: recycled linoleum flooring. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Modulating The iPhone Sound
by: Yanko Design, 2011-08-12 11:53:16 UTC

The Air Module is a very simple speaker design that requires no power supply! Yea, you got that right! It has a rubber brake, wood and ceramic system that allows it to modulate sound. Have a look at the pictures inside and you will know what I mean. So basically the module just envelops your iPhone (or any other device) and pipes out the music in rhythm. Cool!

Designer: Arthur Trichelieu

----------

Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Yanko Design Store - We are about more than just concepts. See what's hot at the YD Store!