Growing environmental challenges 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 world's issues 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 company. As consumers, it is up to us to support this new era of companies with our wallets and social clout to join the movement for a better tomorrow.
Sustainable Inventions From Eco-Inventors Worldwide
The 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 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 help give large amounts of plastic waste a useful second life, but this solution also ensures that there is almost no photodegradation 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. 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 a straightforward solution that can be replicated almost anywhere with no technology, no electricity, and no capital.
Earthships
Earthships are a community of self-sustaining houses built keeping in mind sustainable architecture, green energy, and DIY construction by inexperienced people. These entirely off the grid structures are made from waste such as beer cans and tires and solar and wind energy. They also use advanced water treatment plants that reduce the amount of garbage coming out of the homes. Although it started in New Mexico in the ’70s, these structures can now be found in many parts of the world.
Seed balls
A unique concept started in Kenya, Seed balls, as 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 until 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 be thrown from planes to grow several trees at once with minimal effort.
Socket: a soccer ball that produces energy
The socket 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 (a popular show on Netflix), this might scare you, but clean energy gyms create electricity through human energy. A single hour of the 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 gyms have popped up in Hong Kong, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.
Succulent Jewelry
Ok, can I please have all of these? Susan McLeary is a florist and jewelry designer based in Michigan, combining 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 incredibly proud of. Invented by Indians, Air-Ink can answer 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 used in art. They are still testing and popularizing the concept, but this invention can have a far-reaching impact when scaled.
Sea Bin
Simply put, this is a cool waste bin for the ocean! The sea bin uses tidal power to filter seawater as it bobs along the sea's surface, capturing any trash that may come its the way. This fantastic invention can catch almost 1.5 kgs of waste a day, including microplastics. This is great for problem areas in marinas and near the coastline.
Joyce Island, recycled island
Richart Sowa, an eco-architect, has built himself an entire island using over 150000 waste plastic bottles. His first attempt at creating an island failed when the nearby villagers weren’t too happy to see this island floating near their beautiful beach. A hurricane destroyed his second island. 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 wildlife. In response to this pressing issue, a small brewery based in Florida made a sustainable alternative. They created a completely biodegradable and edible six-pack ring for their beers that is harmless for wildlife using wheat and barley.
Sustainable Apps To Download
If you’re looking to go greener in the new year but aren’t exactly sure about where to start and maybe need some gentle reminders, these are our favorite 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 is an app designed to combat food waste, so whether your neighbor or 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.
Recommended: These Apps Will Help You Live More Sustainable
Too Good To Go: End Food Waste
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.
This app makes it easy for you to find ethical and environmentally-friendly products on-the-go. It provides scientific health, environmental and social ratings on a vast database of products. Browse ingredients, nutritional value, health effects of chemicals, and discover alternatives with this easy tool.
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 makes it easy for you to implement more sustainable habits into your everyday life with tips and a social network to connect with a like-minded 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.
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!
This app helps you find veggie and vegan restaurants near you anywhere - trust us, it’s been a savior on many occasions—basically, your best friend when traveling.
A lot of these innovative solutions can create enormous scale impact in the years to come. It is essential 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.
Before you go!
Recommended: Eating insects Is Healthy, Tasty, And Cool: the United States.
Did you find this an interesting article, or do you have a question or remark? Leave a comment below. We try to respond the same day.
Like to write your article about healthy food?
Click on 'Register' or push the button 'Write An Article' on the 'HomePage.'