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!
Nifty video of a home-built “stratified downdraft gasifier,” a.k.a. a wood-gas generator. Wood gasification was an important 19th century fuel technology, but was finally displaced by petroleum-based gas. Wood gas made something of a comeback during WWII, borne of necessity. It may come back again, after the apocalypse, when we need to try and outrun […]
Darin writes – Photos & details of a 15 year old Honda Civic, radically aerodynamically modified for increased fuel economy. The owner reports coast-down testing indicates the co-efficient of drag has dropped from .34 to .17 – better than GM’s ill-fated, and super-slippery EV1 electric car. With fuel economy instrumentation, the owner claims “Approximate mileage […]
Here’s how to make a homemade battery using fermented grass cut from your lawn, thanks Franco – Link.
Neat selection of eco-product prototypes, pictured here, a solar powered bottle sorter – The assignment was wide open: Design something based on the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, and develop it into a prototype product. The results ranged from simple mechanical devices to complex electronic machines, but all served that central purpose in original […]
Evil Mad Scientist shows you how to turn a whole bunch of empty candy and food containers into playful yet functional fridge magnets. [via] Link.
I love how Jamie from Mary Jane’s Attic has used a circle hole punch and a Xyron sticker machine to craft cool new stickers from her used holiday wrapping paper. If you guys have any other fun ideas on how to recycle giftwrap, please leave a comment! Link.
My friends Billie and Tootie (who own the green-themed art and design store Reform School here in L.A.) blew my mind today when they gave me a Christmas present wrapped up in the most amazing way–in a handmade house they created from recycled cardboard! I love all the little details, such as the scalloped kraft […]
