If you’re a maker just starting out your journey in sustainability, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get started. From understanding the types of materials to utilize, learning what steps will help reduce waste and emissions, and finding inspiring new ways to explore creativity that don’t have a negative environmental impact. The good news is there are plenty of resources available for DIYers looking for ways to make their projects more sustainable – from simple switches you can make today, big-picture ideas for longterm change, or exciting new ways makers are helping push sustainability into the future. In these blog posts we’ll look at tips tricks and ideas specifically tailored towards diyers and makers on the road to creating projects with greater eco consciousness so that not only will you create something beautiful but also respect its impact on our planet!
While not terribly practical for outputting large amounts of electricity, this “gravity battery” demonstrated by YouTube guru MrTeslonian shows a fun way of generating electricity. In his video he mentions a 25′ version with a pair of water-filled jugs, and when one jug hits the bottom, a pump is triggered that refills the empty jig […]
This fun instructable by egbertfitzwilly shows how to make a microbial fuel cell out of jello, yeast, and carbon paper. Here’s how it works, we’re going to mix a little Jello brand Instant Gelatin with some Fleischmann’s Active Yeast and a few drops of plant food. Once that solidifies we’re going to cut out some […]
Like many people in Southern New England, we were hit pretty hard by the Blizzard of 2013. Not only did we lose power for three days, but our road was blocked by fallen trees (cutting our supply lines), and our natural gas heater won’t fire without power, so we had to figure out how to get through those three days. Here’s how we used an ad-hoc solar power system, wood stove, and some snow shoveling to keep warm, fed, and charged up.
I am lovig the re-vamp that P.S. I Made This just gave a simple black back pack with polka dots made from painted studs.
Built for an e-waste design competition, Istanbul-based designer Yasemin Artut made these “E-letter” signs for Kadir Has University.
Lean, or “just-in-time” manufacturing can save companies money. But can it help cool a warming planet? Elroy’s Rob Honeycutt says yes.
Today is Toolsday here at MAKE, so you know what that means – a live Google+ hangout where we will be discussing our favorite tools and workspace essentials. The main topic of the hangout will be power, in various forms. We’ll discuss a few of the many possible ways to power your projects, whether it’s with a homemade bench-top supply, a solar panel hanging out of your window, or a kit like the Mintyboost.
