https://www.facebook.com/104799404542431/

Planet Warriors, 5412 Timberwolf Court, Greater Manchester (2024)

15/12/2024

Henry Glogau, a New Zealand-based designer, developed the Solar Desalination Skylight, an innovative solution aimed at addressing resource scarcity in coastal regions. This device utilizes solar energy to evaporate seawater, generating both light and potable water. The design works by directing seawater into a bowl-shaped skylight, where solar heat causes evaporation, transforming the salty seawater into clean, drinkable water. The leftover salt brine, an often-overlooked byproduct, is used to create energy that powers a soft diffused light, providing illumination during the night. This clever design is a finalist for the Lexus Design Award 2021, which celebrates solutions with a positive impact on humanity and the planet.

In addition to its practical application for drinking water and light, the Skylight is a low-cost, sustainable solution that addresses basic needs in places like coastal Chile, where access to clean water and energy is limited. By leveraging abundant natural resources—solar energy and seawater—Glogau’s creation offers an affordable and eco-friendly way to improve living conditions in vulnerable regions, where both water scarcity and energy poverty are prevalent.

15/12/2024

Israeli start-up W-Cycle has developed SupraPulp, an innovative plastic-free packaging material made from bagasse, a fibrous byproduct of sugarcane processing. This sustainable packaging is fully compostable, toxin-free, and uncoated, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic, aluminum, or foam containers. SupraPulp is designed to handle greasy, wet, and hot food, and it can be safely used in various applications, including ovens, microwaves, convection ovens, and steam cookers. It can also withstand freezing temperatures down to -40°C and heating up to 270°C.

Unlike standard bagasse containers, which may not retain liquids and oils effectively, SupraPulp is oil- and water-resistant, preventing leaks and absorption. This makes it suitable for a wide range of food packaging needs, including prepared meals, fresh meat, poultry, and seafood. After use, the packaging can be disposed of as organic waste, reinforcing its environmental benefits. The product addresses the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, especially as consumers and manufacturers seek alternatives to plastic to combat pollution and promote environmental responsibility.

15/12/2024

Atsushi Shimizu, a Japanese engineer and founder of Challenergy, has developed the world’s first typhoon wind turbine. This innovative turbine uses a vertical-axis design and leverages the Magnus effect to withstand the extreme and turbulent winds of typhoons. Unlike conventional turbines, which rely on horizontal rotors, Shimizu's design is robust enough to capture the immense kinetic energy of typhoons safely and efficiently.

The energy potential of typhoons is vast; according to the Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory, a single mature typhoon can generate as much energy as half of the global electrical generating capacity. Shimizu’s turbine prototypes have been installed in Okinawa, and testing is underway to measure their performance during actual typhoons. If successful, this technology could significantly boost Japan's energy independence, as the nation currently imports about 85% of its energy needs.

14/12/2024

Yukihiro Kimura's vision in 2004 to transform used diapers into clean fuel for electricity led to the creation of a groundbreaking technology by his company, Super Faiths, six years later. The key insight came when Kimura realized that used diapers were being treated as combustible waste, which could be repurposed into energy. This idea blossomed into the SFD system, a machine that converts soiled diapers from households, nursing homes, and hospitals into nearly odorless, ash-colored fuel pellets. The process involves intense shredding, fermentation, drying, and heating, ensuring that bacteria are killed before the pellets are sent to biomass boilers for generating heat or electricity.

The SFD system can handle approximately 600 kilograms (1,300 pounds) of used diapers daily, producing enough electricity to power a lightbulb for four days. This innovation not only provides an environmentally friendly solution to the disposal of used diapers but also contributes to Japan's growing efforts to manage its aging population's waste. With Japan producing billions of diapers annually, Kimura's technology addresses both the massive waste issue and the need for sustainable energy.

This development is especially significant in the context of Japan’s aging population, with adult diapers becoming a major part of waste management. Super Faiths' solution reflects a broader commitment to sustainability, aligning with Japan’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste.

14/12/2024

In Cairo, stray cats are benefiting from a creative and eco-friendly solution to keep warm during the winter months. Ibrahim Abougendy, an eco-conscious designer, has developed mobile shelters made from upcycled car tires, known as the Sheltire project. These shelters are placed in urban areas, providing a safe and insulated space for cats. The tire design leverages the thermal insulation properties of rubber to protect the animals from harsh winter temperatures, including rare snowfall and heavy rainfall that have become more frequent in Egypt due to climate change.

The Sheltire units can accommodate up to five cats each and are made from not just tires but also other recycled materials like wood. These shelters aim to offer a comfortable refuge from the cold, especially in the face of more extreme weather patterns affecting the region. Abougendy designed the shelters to be compact and functional, ensuring they can be placed in various locations around the city without taking up too much space. The project has gained attention both locally and internationally, with people in other countries expressing interest in replicating the design.

This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by street animals in Egypt, particularly as climate patterns shift. Abougendy’s project not only provides a much-needed service to the animals but also promotes sustainability by recycling materials that would otherwise go to waste.

14/12/2024

Material Evolution, an innovative company co-founded by Dr. Elizabeth Gilligan in 2017, is revolutionizing the cement industry by creating ultra-low carbon alternatives to traditional concrete. Based in Middlesbrough, England, and originally founded during Dr. Gilligan's Ph.D. at Queen's University Belfast, the company focuses on using advanced materials and AI-driven processes to produce "algorithmic concrete" with drastically reduced environmental impact. This concrete incorporates 95% industrial waste, cutting carbon emissions by 85% compared to traditional cement while delivering superior strength and durability.

Central to Material Evolution’s innovation is its proprietary alkali-fusion process, which eliminates the energy-intensive kilns typically used in cement production, operating instead at ambient temperatures. By utilizing AI and machine learning, the company optimizes material compositions, ensuring consistency and performance. Their technology transforms waste from industries such as steel and mining into high-performance cement, contributing to a circular economy.

Dr. Gilligan, who was featured on Forbes’ "30 Under 30" list, has led the company in securing significant funding, including €17.3 million in 2023 to scale production and expand globally. Material Evolution’s goal is to decarbonize the cement industry, which accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, and achieve a gigaton reduction in emissions by 2040. This positions them as a key player in driving sustainability in construction while maintaining cost-efficiency and scalability within existing industrial frameworks.

14/12/2024

Karen Vaughan, a soil scientist at the University of Wyoming, turned her passion for soil and art into a unique endeavor by creating paints using natural soil pigments. Her journey began during a wildfire near her home in Wyoming, where ash from the fire inspired her to explore the vibrant and diverse colors of soil. Vaughan began blending the ash with pigments that resembled fiery hues, crafting watercolor paints that could reflect the interplay of fire and earth. This initiative not only preserved the moment of environmental transformation but also highlighted the artistic and scientific beauty of soil.

Collaborating with Yamina Pressler, a soil scientist at California Polytechnic State University, Vaughan introduced a line of soil-based paints to inspire artists. Together, they manufacture watercolors and acrylics made with natural soil, showcasing the variety of colors present in soils from different landscapes. Their paints often use a combination of soil and natural or non-toxic synthetic pigments, combined with a medium of gum, glycerin, and other natural binders. The goal is to bridge science and art, encouraging creative expression while raising awareness about soil's ecological significance.

Through workshops, social media outreach, and collaborations with artists and scientists, Vaughan and Pressler have redefined the artistic potential of dirt. Their work emphasizes how soil, often overlooked, can be a medium for storytelling and education, capturing the vibrancy of nature’s elements in vivid detail.

14/12/2024

Researchers at the University of Georgia have made significant progress in the development of a plant-based aviation fuel derived from Brassica carinata, a type of mustard plant. This sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, a finding that could revolutionize the aviation industry. According to Puneet Dwivedi, a key scientist behind the study, this fuel could be a game-changer by helping to decrease the environmental impact of flying while also generating economic benefits, particularly in the southern U.S. region. The plant is non-edible and grows well as a winter crop, which means it doesn't compete with food production. This makes carinata a promising alternative for biofuel production without the food-versus-fuel concerns.

The research comes at a pivotal time, aligning with the U.S. government's goals to reduce aviation emissions by 20% by 2030 and achieve a zero-carbon aviation sector by 2050. The Biden administration has also proposed a sustainable fuel tax credit to support SAF development, and Brassica carinata-derived fuel exceeds the emissions reduction targets set by this initiative. Researchers are optimistic about scaling up the production of this biofuel, especially given the potential for carinata to thrive in the southeastern U.S. without disrupting other agricultural sectors.

14/12/2024

The Throne is an innovative project developed by To .org and the Spanish design studio Nagami, aimed at addressing the dual challenges of waste management and access to sanitation in underserved communities. This portable toilet is made from recycled medical plastic waste, such as discarded medical trays sourced from European hospitals. Using a seven-axis robotic 3D printer, the design team created a sleek, modern toilet that departs from traditional bulky models, featuring a teardrop shape and a sliding door. Its design prioritizes both function and aesthetics, with an interior that facilitates composting by separating solid and liquid waste.

The toilet is a proof of concept for providing better sanitation facilities in areas lacking reliable infrastructure, like refugee camps or post-disaster zones. The composting function is especially beneficial in locations where energy access is limited, as it enables waste management without requiring power. Currently, The Throne is being trialed in Gstaad, Switzerland, and is expected to be a step toward reducing plastic waste while promoting sustainable sanitation solutions. However, for the project to scale, production costs need to decrease, making it viable for local manufacturing in regions that need it most.

14/12/2024

Brian Harper, an environmental innovator from Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, has developed the UK's first streetlamp powered by canine waste. This initiative uses an anaerobic digester to convert dog f***s into biomethane, which fuels the lamp. Dog owners collect their pet's waste in a bag, deposit it into the digester attached to the lamppost, and turn a handle to initiate the process. The digester heats and mixes the waste, breaking it down with microorganisms to produce methane gas that powers the light, while also generating fertilizer as a byproduct.

The project, supported by Transition Malvern Hills, was funded through grants from the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Methanogen Ltd., the supplier of the digester. Harper's design requires about ten bags of waste to power the lamp for two hours each evening. He aims to inspire more responsible dog waste disposal and promote sustainable energy. Future plans include installing similar lamps in urban parks across the UK, especially in areas with a high density of dog walkers.

13/12/2024

Dutch designer Nienke Hoogvliet, the founder of Studio Nienke Hoogvliet, has partnered with entrepreneur Anne Boermans to create Zeefier, a brand dedicated to producing sustainable textile dyes derived from seaweed. After eight years of research, Hoogvliet has developed a unique method of extracting vibrant dyes from various types of seaweed, which offer an eco-friendly alternative to the toxic synthetic dyes commonly used in the fashion industry. Unlike chemical dyes, seaweed dyes do not require agricultural land, fresh water, or harmful chemicals for production, and they also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as they grow.

Zeefier aims to scale up production and commercialize these seaweed-based dyes, focusing on natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk. Although the dyes are not yet widely available, the team has already showcased a range of hues—from greens to unexpected shades like purples, pinks, and oranges—at Dutch Design Week. One challenge of using seaweed dye is that it can only be applied to natural fabrics, and the colors may shift over time due to their natural composition. However, there is growing interest in these dyes, particularly as the fashion industry seeks sustainable alternatives.

With sustainability at its core, Zeefier uses seaweed waste from other industries, such as food and cosmetics, to further minimize its environmental impact. The dyes are also biodegradable, and the company envisions expanding their production, with plans to collaborate with both high-end and high-street fashion brands in the future.

13/12/2024

The A Waste Epiphany project, led by Chilean designer Macarena Torres Puga, innovatively upcycles construction and demolition waste—specifically concrete and bricks—into artistic and functional design objects. This initiative is rooted in addressing the environmental impact of construction waste, which often ends up in landfills. By repurposing these materials, the project produces items like vases, planters, and small tables with glass tops, blending sustainability with aesthetic appeal.

The process involves crushing bricks and concrete into various aggregate sizes and colors, which are then layered using a rammed-earth-inspired technique. This method involves compacting the materials within a transparent mold to create a natural, layered appearance reminiscent of geological formations. A small amount of white cement is used as a binder, ensuring the products are durable yet recyclable. This approach not only minimizes waste but also celebrates the diverse textures and tones of the reclaimed materials, showcasing their potential as sustainable design elements.

This project highlights how innovation in material reuse can lead to high-end, environmentally conscious design, transforming waste into valuable urban treasures.

13/12/2024

Every year, the seafood industry discards approximately 7 million tons of seashells, which are largely non-biodegradable and expensive to dispose of. These shells can harm the environment as they accumulate in landfills or coastal areas, contributing to odor and land pollution. Interestingly, seashells are rich in calcium carbonate, a primary component of cement, which is a significant polluter due to its production process. Recognizing this dual problem and opportunity, Newtab-22, a design studio based in Seoul and London, has developed a sustainable material called Sea Stone.

Sea Stone is created by grinding waste seashells and combining them with non-toxic, natural binders to form a concrete-like material. The process is carried out manually without energy-intensive heating or chemical treatments, preserving sustainability. This material is primarily used for small-scale products such as decorative tiles, tabletops, and incense holders. While Sea Stone shares some properties with concrete, it lacks the strength needed for large-scale construction unless additional processes are applied, which could reduce its sustainability. The unique aesthetic of Sea Stone reflects the natural textures and colors of the shells used, making each piece distinct.

The innovation by Newtab-22 showcases how waste materials can be repurposed into valuable products, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact

13/12/2024

ByFusion, a Los Angeles-based startup founded in 2017, aims to tackle plastic pollution with an innovative approach. The company argues that plastic itself isn’t the problem but rather the absence of a long-term plan for its use and disposal. To address this, ByFusion has developed the "Blocker System," a patented technology that transforms discarded plastics into construction-grade building blocks called ByBlocks.

The process begins with sourcing plastic waste, often from ocean cleanup projects and community recycling efforts. For instance, in 2020, ByFusion partnered with Ocean Voyages Institute to remove over 100 tons of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The collected plastic is shredded and superheated using a steam-based process that requires no additional chemicals or adhesives. This results in durable blocks measuring 40 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm, weighing 10 kg each. The production method is environmentally friendly, generating 41% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional concrete blocks, and eliminates waste by converting every ton of plastic into an equivalent ton of ByBlocks.

These blocks, which do not crack or crumble like standard concrete, are versatile and can be used for various construction purposes such as walls, fences, and furniture. ByFusion's long-term goal is to recycle 100 million tons of plastic by 2030, making significant strides toward sustainability while creating practical, scalable infrastructure solutions.

13/12/2024

Berlin-based designer Christine Rochlitz, founder of the sustainable luxury brand Lucky Nelly, has introduced an innovative vegan material called CABBTEX, crafted from cabbage leaves. This material represents a significant advancement in eco-friendly alternatives to leather. CABBTEX is produced by drying and refining discarded cabbage leaves with water-based solutions, creating a durable, flexible, and sewable textile that is entirely organic and sustainable. The material capitalizes on the natural structure and aesthetic of cabbage leaves, transforming what are often considered food scraps into unique handbags, accessories, and jewelry.

Rochlitz's work is rooted in her passion for sustainable luxury, combining high-end design with eco-conscious materials. Lucky Nelly also explores other innovative materials, including alternatives derived from strawberries, tea, and cork, all of which emphasize the brand's commitment to cruelty-free and environmentally friendly fashion. The CABBTEX innovation aligns with the broader trend of reimagining waste into high-value fashion products.

13/12/2024

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global industries, architect and engineer Arthur Huang, CEO and co-founder of Miniwiz, adapted to the situation by using recycled materials to address urgent medical needs. Miniwiz, a Taiwan-based company specializing in transforming waste into sustainable materials, leveraged its expertise to create the Modular Adaptable Convertible (MAC) ward in partnership with Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital.

The MAC ward, built during the pandemic, became the world's first hospital ward made entirely from recycled trash. Its components include 90% recycled aluminum panels for walls, recycled polyester insulation, and handles made from repurposed medical waste like personal protective equipment (PPE). This innovation addressed the shortage of building materials and reduced environmental impact. The modular design allows for rapid assembly and adaptability, enabling it to serve various medical purposes, from isolation wards to intensive care units.

Huang emphasizes the importance of utilizing existing materials, stating, "We don't need to create new things; we just need ingenuity and innovation to transform waste into the next generation of products." This approach aligns with Miniwiz's commitment to the circular economy, demonstrating that sustainability can address critical challenges in real-time.

12/12/2024

Jerry de Vos, a TU Delft alumnus, developed an innovative handheld scanner to identify plastic types, aiming to enhance recycling processes and reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. The invention earned him the James Dyson Sustainability Award in 2021. The scanner employs near-infrared spectroscopy to identify approximately 75% of commonly used plastics by analyzing the way different plastics reflect infrared light. This technology, already utilized in industrial recycling facilities, has been adapted by De Vos into a compact, portable, and cost-effective device, priced to be accessible for small-scale recycling operations in developing countries.

Currently, only 14% of plastics globally are recycled. De Vos believes the scanner can significantly improve sorting accuracy and speed, making recycling more economically viable. The scanner is open-source, with a GPL-v3 license, ensuring accessibility and fostering further innovation. His goal is to make the device even smaller and more affordable, potentially integrating it with smartphones to reduce costs further. The project also builds on earlier open-source efforts like the ReReMeter and incorporates feedback from recyclers in countries such as India and Kenya to suit diverse user needs.

The device has the potential to transform recycling practices, especially in regions where sorting is often done manually. De Vos plans to use the award money (€33,000) to complete and refine the prototype, paving the way for a broader impact on global waste management.

12/12/2024

Off-road motorbikes have proven invaluable for anti-poaching efforts in South Africa, particularly in expansive and remote areas where traditional vehicles cannot operate effectively due to the lack of roads. These motorbikes enable rangers to reach poaching hotspots swiftly, offering a practical solution to counter illegal wildlife activities. However, conventional petrol-powered bikes are noisy, often alerting poachers to the rangers' approach, reducing the element of surprise crucial in such operations. Additionally, their reliance on fuel creates logistical challenges, as remote refueling contributes to environmental degradation and high operational costs.

To address these issues, Swedish company CAKE has collaborated with the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) to introduce the Kalk AP, an electric bush bike specifically designed for anti-poaching. These bikes are nearly silent, reducing the chances of detection, and operate sustainably using solar-powered mobile charging stations. This innovation not only minimizes environmental impact but also cuts down on the logistical complexity associated with fuel supply. With advanced features such as durability in harsh terrains, low maintenance requirements, and integration with solar energy, these electric bikes represent a significant step forward in wildlife conservation efforts.