Growing environmental challenges in the world have given rise to a new crop of eco-inventors that are developing ingenious solutions to the most pressing problems of today. They are capitalizing on the new opportunities presented by the problems faced by the world today to create social businesses that focus on a triple bottom line with social responsibility at its core, rather than as just one function of the business. As consumers, it is up to us to support this new era of businesses with our wallets and social clout to join the movement for a better tomorrow.
Below listed some tips on coolest inventions and apps & tricks in the space of sustainability
Water you can eat, Ooho
Made from seaweed-extract, this packaging is not only sustainable, but also edible. Ooho was created to stand up against the waste that is invading our land and oceans and now serves as a great alternative to plastic packaging.
The Cora Ball: a device that removes microfibers from laundry
One of the biggest pollution challenges the world is facing today is the microfiber that flows into the ocean every time we use a washing machine. The Cora Ball is a device that removes small plastic particles from laundry during the wash cycle to prevent them from getting into the water system.
Ecobricks
Ecobricks are building blocks made from plastic bottles filled and tightly packed with thin plastic waste. These bricks provide a lasting solution for the tonnes of plastic waste out there. They not only help in giving large amounts of plastic waste a useful second life, but this solution also ensures that there is almost no photo degradation and leaching of harmful chemicals. These building blocks can be used to make small structures such as garden walls, furniture such as benches and chairs and large structures such as cabins and schools as well. We too have worked with thousands of children in Mumbai to create over 7.000 Ecobricks in 2 months and are now looking to construct a public structure using these bricks. This is an extremely simple solution that can be replicated almost anywhere with no technology, no electricity and no capital.
Earthships
Earthships are a community of self-sustaining houses that are built keeping in mind sustainable architecture, green energy and DIY construction by inexperienced people. These completely off the grid structures are made from waste such as beer cans and tyres and use solar and wind energy. They also use advanced water treatment plants that reduce the amount of waste coming out from the homes. Although started in New Mexico in the 70’s, these structures can now be found in many parts of the world.
Seed balls
A unique concept started in Kenya, Seed balls, like the name suggests, are small balls within which seeds are placed. The ball is made of charcoal dust and nutrients that protect the seed in times of drought and allow it to survive till the rains arrive. It also protects the seeds from predators and insects. These seed balls are the ingenious answer to rapid deforestation and they can literally be thrown from planes to grow several trees at once with minimal effort.
Soccket: a soccer ball that produces energy
Soccket is a portable generator that harnesses and stores energy from play. It is used as a power source in areas where access to resources is limited.
Terra Hale Gyms, clean energy gyms
Imagine powering a light bulb while you pedal on a bicycle in a gym! If you have watched Black Mirror (popular show on Netflix), this might scare you, but clean energy gyms create electricity through human energy. A single hour of spin class can generate up to 3.300 watts of energy and this energy is used to power the gym. Any excess energy is supplied to the grid to power neighboring areas. Several such gyms have popped up in Hong Kong, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
Succulent Jewellry
Ok, can I please have all of these? Susan McLeary is florist and jewellery designer based in Michigan who combines her passions in these amazing living accessories. Her Etsy store PassionflowerMade features everything from rings to necklaces, bracelets to statement pieces. They can be worn for up to 6 weeks before the succulents grow roots and need planting.
Air Ink
This one, is a homegrown innovation that we should be extremely proud of. Invented by Indians, Air Ink can be the answer to the horrible air pollution of cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. This company captures air pollution and soot (from cars) to make beautiful black ink that can be used in art. They are still testing and popularizing the concept but when scaled this invention can have far reaching impact.
Sea Bin
Simply put, this is a really cool waste bin for the ocean! The sea bin uses tidal power to filter sea water as it bobs along the surface of the ocean, capturing any trash that may come its way. This amazing invention can capture almost 1.5 kgs of waste a day including microplastics. This is great for problem areas in marinas and near the coastline.
Joyxee Island, recycled island
Richart Sowa an eco-architect, has literally built himself an entire island using over 150000 waste plastic bottles. His first attempt at building an island failed when the nearby villagers weren’t too happy to see this island floating near their beautiful beach. His second island, was destroyed by a hurricane. Now finally his third island floats off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. The island is made from waste, has solar power and even has mangroves growing on it!
Edible Six Pack Rings, 'Saltwater Brewery'
Beer six pack rings are made from plastic and can be devastating for marine and wild life. In response to this pressing issue, a small brewery based in Florida, made a sustainable alternative. Using wheat and barley they created a completely biodegradable and edible six pack ring for their beers that is harmless for wildlife.
Sustainable apps to download for 2019
If you’re looking to go greener in the new year but aren’t exactly sure on where to start and maybe need some gentle reminders, these are our favourite sustainability apps to help you start making small changes to your everyday life. From finding refillable tap water stations around you, to helping fight food waste and sharing the positive changes you are making with a like-minded community, these apps will have you covered throughout the year.
OLIO
OLIO is an app designed to combat food waste, so whether your neighbour or a local business is trying to get rid of perfectly ripe tomatoes, these can easily land on your plate just in time for your next meal.
Too Good To Go: End Food Waste
By the same token, the Too Good To Go app helps restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets combat food waste by making meals available for €3 or 4 that would otherwise go to waste. The food is made ready for you to collect at a designated time et voilá - you've got your next meal sorted.
GoodGuide
This app makes it easy for your to find ethical and environmentally-friendly products on-the-go. It provides scientific health, environmental and social ratings on a huge database of products. Browse ingredients, nutrional value, health effects of chemicals and discover alternatives with this easy tool.
Oroeco
Oroeco automatically allows you to track your impact on the climate with a powerful footprint calculator. Perfect for understanding where you are already doing well and where there is room for improvement.
JouleBug
JouleBug makes it easy for you to implement more sustainable habits into your everyday life with tips and a social network to connect with a likeminded community. As if that wasn't enough, you’re awarded points with each positive action that correlates to the impact it’s had on your wallet and environment.
Tap
Find water refill stations near you anywhere in the world with Tap, so you don’t have to buy a single-use plastic bottle ever again. Just don't forget your reusable bottle at home!
HappyCow
This app helps you find veggie and vegan restaurants near you anywhere - trust us, it’s been saviour on many occasions. Basically your best friend when travelling.
A lot of these innovative solutions can create large scale impact in the years to come. It is important to support these initiatives as consumers and citizens. If you know of any other cool inventions that we can add to the list, leave a comment below.
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