Ecofriend

Eco Factor: Replantable Calendar with pages having seeds inside.

This Plantable Eco Calendar 2009 introduced by Botanical PaperWorks has 12 fully plantable pages that are made of post-consumer waste. It’s all recyclable, be it the collector’s tin, pages or the calendar as such. When a particular month expires, just sow the entire seed-embedded page and see all sorts of plants, like Bird’s Eye, Clarkia, Coreopsis, Poppy, Catchfly and Snap Dragon budding within few days. So, having this 5 x 5 inch calendar at your desk is the natural way to be near to nature.

Eco Factor: Makes recycled cigarette butts usable in dresses

You might never have thought of sporting a costume made of cigarette butts. Seems weird? Well, Geurrero Mantis has got the insight that recycling those filthy cigarette butts could make them wearable. These hats, gloves and jackets are fabricated with 10% of recycled cigarette filters and the rest comes from natural fibers. Considering the threat posed to the environment, wildlife, flora and fauna, it’s very sensible using these in a productive manner. Surely, Mantis does a commendable job in fashioning gaudy attires out of redundant waste.

Eco Factor: Massive billboards powered by solar-power-enabled electric backup.

Honda, while ensuring production of low-emission and fuel efficient vehicles, takes a step closer to green advertising. Their latest billboards show Honda’s concern toward the environment. Making them solar-powered positively renders it a reputation of being an unparalleled marketing strategy. Clearly, it’s a lead that may see its followers aping it in the near future. Well, Accord Euro is all set to register its presence in the Australian arena, thanks to solar panels that power these giant commercial billboards.

Eco Factor: Eco-friendly removable sink helps conserve water.

Amidst a devil-may-care attitude toward water conservation, it’s really inspiring to have people like Hughie, who understand how grave a problem it is. This amazing, removable sink stores waste water and makes it usable for other purposes. It’s always better to use it rather let it go into sewers. Water, thus saved, could be utilized in gardening, washing cars and flooring. Anyway, this unimposing kitchen object is available for just $25 in a variety of colors.

Eco Factor: Compact, lightweight bike powered by a zero emission electric engine.

Truong Minh Nhat, a Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture student, has devised this green bike, Capella. This folding vehicle definitely cuts on space, provides hassle free transport and helps in keeping the environment clean. This electric bike has a top speed of 30 kmph. As a matter of fact, this bike needs 2 hours’ charging to keep it going for 12 kilometers. You certainly can’t ask for more when you already have a bike that has wheels, chains and chain-ring folded to its body. So, in case it runs out of charge, it’s back-mountable. Hence, I don’t find any problem in terming this compact bike “the future of transportation.”

Eco Factor: Sustainable building design with integrated PV cells.

One of the few locations along Brighton & Hove seafront may soon feature an exciting eco-friendly mixed use development project. Camillin Denny Architects is waiting for the approval of this highly sustainable structure that will seek to harness solar energy with PV cells integrated into the shading system on the south façade. The calculation shows a reduction of around 20% electricity that will be achieved from the energy grid.
The project is mainly concerned with the creation of attractive public space around the building. Copper, a robust building material that suits most for the tough seafront location, will be used. In a gross internal floor area of 2914 sq m, the project includes a restaurant at the ground level, car parking, plant and bicycle storage to a basement with two additional dwellings.

Eco Factor: Zero emission bike that includes electric batteries and energy efficient motors.

Like other manufacturers of the same category, Honda aspires to put futuristic concepts on real roads. The Honda e-Dream is one of the dream concepts that Honda wants to see on the highways. The name itself is quite enough to explain the concept. E denotes environment, efficient, electric and e-dream. Making use of new advancements in technology and materials, this emissions-free motorcycle concept has been designed for pollution-free urban transport. The design includes frame integrating batteries, motor and rear suspension all within a simple, stylish and customizable frame. The electric engine, EL-1 20kW, that provides the necessary power to move the motors, is one of the most energy efficient in its class. The top speed of the bike can reach up to 60 km/h. An OLED touch sensitive multi-mode screen keeps the rider informed with information needed while driving. LEDs headlights further contribute to saving energy consumption.

Eco Factor: Pedal-powered bike system provides clean transportation.

The Intersection concept bike is designed to provide individual clean transportation with portability. The designer claims that it can save your bucks that you spend each day while traveling in buses or on the subway. Like a fish, you can control the direction with the tale wheel. Along with saving money these bikes are space sufficient too, as these can be placed one over another in an overlapping manner. Interestingly, it operates like a vending machine. To unlock one you need to insert a coin into the space provided and after you park the bike, you can get your coin back. Well, that’s a bit confusing as why to put a coin if you are to get it back. Instead that why not to use a simple lock system that operates with key.

Eco Factor: Extremely functional flashlight draws power kinetically.

Swansea-based consultant anesthetists Dr David Williams and Dr John Dingley earn all accolades for devising this laryngoscope-cum-flashlight. Being perfectly handy in extreme conditions, the device allows you the backlight for full 20 minutes after you shake it for just 30 seconds. A LED with a lifespan of 100,000 hours provides the shaft of light. Thus, this kinetic apparatus lets the medical practitioners examine ears, nose and throat, without caring in the least about the power source. It’s perfectly realistic to use it during surgeries as well.

Eco Factor: Seating made up of old recycled suitcases.

What will be the best thing to do with your old worn out suitcases and luggage carriers? Have a look at this seating created by Turkish design collective MayBeProduct. Just a little bit of coloring and assembling and some funky furniture is ready with a little compromise on beauty and furnishing of luxury furniture. However, this compromise doesn’t matter when we take into consideration some environmentally conscious aspects. Not much, but recycling these little things does make a difference.