In light of aggravating environmental degradation, eco friendly products are gaining immense popularity. There’s a plethora of green ideas available from toys for children to exquisite serving ware, and furniture for elderly. Reclaimed timber is one such material that is being used increasingly for making various creative products. These products are unique, eco friendly as well as durable

Recumbent with a flywheel storage

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Recumbent with a flywheel storage

Recumbent bicycle with flywheel energy storage.

The reason to make a bicycle recumbent is to minimize air resistance. The bicycle also consists of flywheel that stores energy generated by the onboard regenerative braking system. During the movement of the flywheel, when excess energy is produced, it can be stored and then released in times of need. The flywheel can also be charged using the wall socket and used as an engine capable of providing power up to 60kW. You can travel 33km at a speed of 50km/h in one charge.

The bicycle is capable of achieving speed up to 80km/h whereas the maximum achievable speed is 135km/h. Since it uses mechanical power, you don’t lose much energy while converting it from one type to another. The entire structure of the bicycle is made out of steel and weighs 35kg including the 5kg flywheel.

The inspiration behind the invention is that the existing models of bicycles use batteries which don’t perform efficiently. The maximum speed of these bikes is also not satisfactory for urban riding. Bicycles being ecologically clean, have been taken as the base for this recumbent bicycle and the two basic problems, frame and a human, the two energy sources, too have been analyzed.

Via: James Dyson Award

DIY Solar Panels Made of Grass

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DIY Solar Panels Made of Grass

DIY Solar Panels Made of Grass That Anyone Can Make.

Researchers have identified that nothing in nature can soak energy as plants can. Thus, they nurtured a green solar production method by using some grass clippings, some amount of stabilizing powder, which is made of titanium oxide and zinc oxide along with a metal or glass substrate to replicate the photosynthesis process.

In fact, it has been a successful effort from the MIT researchers in chemically stabilizing the photosystem-I, the structure responsible for performing the process of photosynthesis inside plant cells. Well, the same photosynthesis will work for the new solar panels for producing power as the substrate will produce an electric current when exposed to sunlight.

The MIT researcher Andreas Mershin, hopes that in future, a mixture of all the above mentioned items will made into a paint that people can apply to their roofs in place of solar panels. Indeed, it is a brilliant idea that DIYers can simply adopt anywhere in the world.

Researchers claim that it will be easy for anyone to create solar panels quite cheaply this way. However, they are still working hard to improve the efficiency of the new solar panels. The current rate of efficiency of this technology is less than 2 percent, which should be increased by tenfold to make it a reliable source for solar energy production.

Via: GreenProphet

Truck Stop by Rux

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Truck Stop by Rux

The furniture choreographs a streamlined dining experience at pique morning and afternoon hours.

The furniture will be crafted using bamboo with considerable space in serpent like shape to accommodate food trucks. This unique shape will divide Edgar Plaza into zones, serving different purpose like seating, waiting and pedestrian crossing. The street vendors can take their desired spots and serve people with delicious food and comfortable seating. It will also make dining experience enjoyable during morning and afternoon rush hours when finding proper food with adequate seating place becomes a struggle. Apart from being green, the furniture presents iconic style as well. The stylish lighting system offers an attractive and safe environment that creates an inviting ambiance.Via: Rux Design

Project aims to build Canada’s Greenest Home on James St. in East City

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Greenest Home on James St. in East City

Project aims to build Canada’s Greenest Home on James St. in East City

The main objective of Endeavour Centre is to build a two story building with 2000 square foot area. 20 local students will work on the construction of the sustainable house. The full time certificate program will allow them to know the standards and procedures, which are followed for the construction of green buildings. They will work with specialists, who have proficient knowledge about the natural building materials, water treatment and all aspects of creating a green building. During classes they will also learn about energy efficient foundations, grid tied photovoltaics, rainwater collection, composting toilets and natural paints and finishes.

The project is also aiming for the Living Building Challenge standard, which is an international certification that promotes the most advanced building techniques across the world. If accomplished, the James St. home will be the first of its kind in Canada to fully meet the Living Building Challenge standard. The project will start in May and Endeavour Centre is hoping to get in partnership with the Ryerson University and Queen University by then for co credits.

There are many misconceptions about the set up cost of green buildings, but this building will be reasonably priced. Also they will make sure that it is sustainable and provides all the desired comforts at the same time. As the project is privately funded with no government grants, the director of the project hopes that the sale of the house will be an indicator of the rising demand for green homes.

Via: Thepeterboroughexaminer