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!
Want to study sharks? Build your own Tintin-esque sub – “The grandson of famous oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau believes the best way to learn about sharks is to become one. Fabien Cousteau, inspired as a child by the comic book Red Rackham’s Treasure, where the main character, Tintin, adventures underwater in a shark-shaped submarine, decided as an adult to build his own.” Thanks Saul! Link. Nation Geographic has an update on the story too.
Here’s a detailed log of how to build a utility trailer. Includes a free AutoCAD drawing, materials list, parts list, as well as lots of pictures. Glen writes “I needed a trailer to haul around a snowmobile so I decided that I might get better use out of a general utility trailer instead of a snowmobile trailer. I checked the local trailer retailers and found that the going rate for a 5′ x 10′ utility trailer was around $1,300 Cdn. The trailers weren’t very strong and were made mostly from light angle iron. Always looking for a good project, I decided to build one instead.” Link.
We’re fans of PVC here at MAKE, from marshmallow shooters to our gift guide, we find uses for PVC for just about everything. PVC is a little like LEGOs for adults depending on how you use them I suppose…Imarunner2 just posted up a great Instructable on how to make a simple, cheap bike rack using PVC. Link.
MAKE pal and Maker faire attendee Mark Hoekstra has completed his hacked up iPod charge for bicycles, pedal your way to a fully charged iPod! He’s put together a how-to with everything you’ll need to attempt building your own, or just get inspired. I have a feeling we’ll see an iPod accessory in stores like this very soon! Link.
Blue_Guy sent in this great collection of buses and trucks modded to RV’s. “Don’t look for any slick chrome-and-plastic Silver-Eagle RV’s converted by professional shops or retired backyard do-it-myselfers. All of the vehicles featured herein are original, one-of-a-kind creations which reflect the owner/builder’s lifestyle and architectural beliefs. True, some are little more than shanties on wheels, while others are an abrupt attempt to be liberated from stationary habitations, but at the upper end of the scale, you’ll find many which could be classified as genuine art.” Link.
This is from earlier this year, but I didn’t see how it was done – so here it is. Ever want to make your own TRON lightcycle game? But not a video game, real life! Here’s a page that details how a group of racers hacked up gear and software to make a real life TRON racing game. Ingredients: “gps-receiver, backpack with laptop(Tatonka Serverpack with Gateway Solo 2500), keyboard, trackball (from old broken laptop), helmet (giro switchblade) with display (old viewfinder)” Link.
Great bike hack on Instructables from Maxwell – “How to Build a Tall Bike, one that you can stop safely, and could be construed as street legal in most places. With this method, you’ll be able to stand over the bike, allowing you to hop down easily, have two brakes, a full complement of gears, And have a better riding position than two bikes stacked on top of eachother. You’ll only destroy one bike, The top portion is bolted to the bottom bike, so if it breaks, or you get tired of it, the bottom bike can be reverted to normal. All in all I think this makes for a suprisingly sane tall bike. Not that you’ll look any less the madman riding it through traffic.” Link.
