Energy & Sustainability

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!

Make your own Moonbeam

Make your own Moonbeam

Earlier in the week, we covered the Boston Globe piece about the Moonbeam, a three-wheel microcar. Bre Pettis pointed me to builder Jory Squibb’s website where he has background info, numerous pics, video and a “How to Build Moonbeam” project journal. How to build Moonbeam, a 100 MPG microcar – Link

Green steam

Green steam

Our pal I-Wei Huang, of Crabfu SteamWorks, sent us a link to this “green” steam engine, a super-efficient two- (or more) piston engine that is allegedly easy and economical to build. It has a very ingenious way of converting reciprocating movement into rotary movement, the action of which you can see in an animated GIF […]

Of Moonbeams and motorcycles

Of Moonbeams and motorcycles

The Boston Globe has a brief piece on Jory Squibb, a Camden, Maine handyman, who deconstructed two Honda Elite scooters and used them to create this three-wheeled vehicle he calls the Moonbeam. It gets more than 100 miles to the gallon and goes a stop and smell the roses speed of 35-40 MPH. One Gallon, […]

Personal blimps

Thushan Amarasiriwardena sent MAKE this video that accompanied a piece he did in yesterday’s Boston Globe. In it, a dynamic duo from Amherst, MA talk about their efforts to build and perfect the personal blimp. Is this the next MAKE corporate vehicle? Personal blimp sails over fields of Amherst – Link