Tag Green

Our typical fossil-fuel-consuming means of transportation need to be replaced by greener and more environment-friendly alternatives, and Electric Bicycles are an appealing option! Not only do they curb fuel consumption and reduce automotive emissions, but they’re also a healthy source of exercise for us! I mean, not only do we get to save the Earth from air pollution, but we can also get some intense cardio done. And they’re becoming an increasingly popular option day by day. It’s estimated that the total number of electric bicycles in circulation around the world will be 300 million soon, which is an exponential increase, from 200 million back in 2019. It looks like everyone is slowly and steadily hopping onto the e-bicycle bandwagon! And, we’ve curated a whole range of innovative designs for you that caught our attention!

1. Popup Scooter

Meet the Popup Scooter – a two-wheeled electric bicycle that can be transformed into a kick scooter, or the other way round! The transformative design allows the rider to pick a configuration that suits his or her riding needs. The cycle is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder that allows it to move smoothly and swiftly. The mechanism can lift an adult person, so lifting and lowering the rider’s body shouldn’t be an issue at all.

2. Electric Mobility Bicycle

This Cake bike-inspired electric bicycle takes the hybrid nature of personal commuters to a whole another level. The commuter has a modular nature that makes it ideal for different kinds of users. The bicycle takes inspiration from everyday gadgets, featuring a sleek form without compromising on the bike’s robust aesthetic at all. Although the saddle does have an awkward shape, that may not be comfy for the rider for long durations.

3. Electric Fixie

Designed by Andrey Avgust, the Electric Fixie is a fixed-gear bike with the same working principle of the genre, as well as the added and boosted capability of an electric drive, making riding on inclined roads as easy and simple as riding on level ones. The bike is equipped with traction control and regenerative braking for battery recuperation, and the latter can be controlled via the bike’s handlebar.

4. The ONEBOT-S7

The ONEBOT-S7 features an innovative three-fold structure, unlike the two-step folding design we are all accustomed to. This e-bike is ultra-compact once it is folded, making it super easy to fit into the boot of a car or slide under your workstation. The bicycle can be compressed into the smallest single unit possible, and when folded it only measures 60 cm in height and length, as well as 35 cm in width.

5. The VanMoof Bike

Dubbed the VanMoof bike, this minimal yet robust-looking bike features an amazing red and black colorway. This bike seems to be a custom version of the e-bike company’s Red Dot Award-winning S3 model, and the colorway is designed by Dao-Yi Chow, a New York-born-and-raised designer who co-created the street-savy fashion brand Public School in 2008.

6. IEDEX

Dubbed IEDEX, this electric bicycle is an exploration cycle with a generous amount of storage space to store your camping essentials without being a complete eyesore. The electric bicycle features ad-hoc space to store luggage bugs in the frame itself. The bicycle eliminates the down tube courtesy of the unibody design, unlike conventional bicycle designs.

7. Nireeka Mega eBike

The Nireeka Mega eBike is powered by the 1500W Bafang Ultra mid-drive with a peak torque of 200nm. The impressive vehicle can take you on speeds of up to 38mph and features a removable 840Wh extended battery that can easily help you reach a range of 51 miles on a single charge. It features a full-suspension geometry with 140mm travel on both ends which absorbs bumps.

8. The ENGWE X26 All-Terrain E-Bike

The ENGWE X26 all-terrain e-bike is the e-bike you need to conquer any road and distance! It features a powerful 1000W motor that can push your speed to 31 mph max. That is the maximum power, the e-bike can push out, and it also has a steady and sturdy delivery of 750W output that is greater than the average e-bike’s 500W motors.

9. PXID-A1

Called the PXID-A1, this compact electric bicycle can be folded down to the size of a small suitcase which makes it super easy to carry around. You can easily transport it in the boot, or even carry it to the office floor if your boss allows. The cycle rides on 14-inch tires, while the rear tires derive their power from the onboard electric battery for assistive riding on ascends.

10. Pendler Bike

Named the Pendler bike, this unique e-bike is a nod to the country’s deep cycling culture. It features a U-shaped frame which is essentially a thick structural element. This allows the two-wheeler to have an identifiable silhouette which caters perfectly to your urban riding needs.

They say money makes the world go round, but coffee is probably just as critical for some people. Connoisseurs will undoubtedly tell anyone willing to listen to brew their own cup, but not everyone has the luxury of doing that daily. If you don’t know of a local shop you can call your home away from home, you’d probably be at the mercy of the big, expensive chains that put more sugar than you’re going to be comfortable with. Establishing a fixed store in a nook or building isn’t going to be cheap for some businesses, and it also means not being able to reach customers where they are. Coffee trucks can solve the problem of portability, but this concept design takes that idea even further by having the whole operation run on solar power, potentially bringing that coffee experience anywhere, even away from the grid.

Designer: Kyrolos Maged

Although you can see them almost everywhere, big chain stores like Starbucks won’t always please everyone. Some simply don’t like their selection or the way they do business. Others simply prefer to patronize smaller businesses to help them grow and thrive. Either way, the majority of these stores force you to go to their location, which is not a problem unless there isn’t one nearby. It would definitely be great if the coffee could come to where the people are rather than the other way around, which is what coffee trucks are trying to do.

Although they are a viable business model, such mobile coffee dispensing stores have a few logistic issues to iron out, specifically one of power. Sure, you can run the machines on the same battery that drives the truck, but it also risks you running out of fuel when you need it the most. And with some vehicles turning to electric power, such a power source might no longer be feasible. This unnamed concept thus turns toward an ever-present source, at least during the time when people are most likely to chug their black or brown fuel.

The solar-powered coffee truck is exactly as it sounds, an operation that runs on solar energy rather than fuel or car batteries. There’s a single large solar panel on top of the truck, but it’s easy enough to extend the design to have multiple panels on the “wings” that fold out from the sides of the truck. This way, the energy needs of the coffee machines and the truck itself are kept separate and you don’t have to worry about one eating into the reserves of the other.

The design of the truck itself is pretty standard, with sliding tables to let customers put down their cups for a while or enjoy some sandwiches that the mobile cafe might offer. What’s interesting, however, is the idea that the coffee truck would offer all sorts of coffee, including those from capsule machines. It’s a good way to diversify and hit many types of customers while also ensuring the speed of service, though pure-blood coffee lovers might turn their noses up at such a thought.

Nestled on the stunning Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, this impressive green villa is called the Ishigaki Earth and was designed by architect Sou Fujimoto. It’s been a year since its debut, and startup hospitality brand Not a Hotel has recently put it up for sale. The expansive retreat occupies 9900 square meters and is located along the island’s pretty southwestern coast. It has a unique circular design topped by a lush green roof which eradicates the typical concept of a front and back, instead, it allows the villa to effortlessly merge with the surrounding nature.

Designer: Sou Fujimoto

The villa’s expansive roof is marked with large openings that provide stunning views of the sky, inadvertently masking the lines between the structure and nature. Fujimoto had a specific vision for the project which involved creating a serene connection between the villa and nature. He wanted to harmonize them and make them one. The circular structure and concave design are inspired by the undulations of the rolling hills, in turn, offering the residents unobstructed views, and allowing the island’s pretty greenery to merge with the ocean panoramas.

The relaxing retreat is amped with multiple amenities such as an infinity pool that merges with the sea, spacious living and dining rooms with beautiful views, a fully equipped gym, and an underwater sauna. The pool is a beauty to look at, as the sky and water meet there, building a fusion of the horizons. It is truly the perfect place to unwind and relax! The living area of the home extends towards the outside and is equipped with full-height glazing, allowing the surrounding landscapes to be connected to the home.

The retreat accommodates four bedrooms which can comfortably house up to ten people. Each bedroom in the house has been designed to provide a calming and tranquil experience. The bedroom on the waterside offers serene views of the sea, with a bathroom that allows the residents to catch glimpses of the horizon. The rooftop garden also accommodates a pool for kids to play in, as well as a fireplace to gather around and warm up.

Our unhealthy practices and way of living are truly harmful to the environment and have been slowly leading to its deterioration. And the world has been changing (for the worse) because of this. Hence, it is extremely important to live sustainably and consciously and to take care of the environment in 2023! Integrating sustainability into our day-to-day lives has become crucial. And we can do this in various ways. Designers and creators are coming up with sustainable alternatives for almost everything. Every product that is necessary and utilized by us in our everyday routine has an eco-friendly alternative to it. Replacing our usual mass-produced designs with these greener options will make a huge difference to the environment and Mother Earth. From a Saturn-inspired sustainable lamp to a bicycle seat made from cork– we’ve curated a whole collection of sustainable product designs to help you go green.

1. Kreis Cup

Say hello to the Kreis Cup – a coffee cup that is sustainable, durable, and intended to enhance and improve your coffee-drinking experience. It is available in a cup and travel-mug style!

Why is it noteworthy?

It is heat resistant and designed to keep your coffee hot longer. That being said, the Kreis Cup is still ultimately biodegradable, unlike the plastic-based to-go mugs you get at your local cafe or the breakable ceramic mugs you use at home.

What we like

• Made from spent coffee grounds
• You can smell the faint unmistakable scent of coffee from it!

What we dislike

• There is currently no scope for personalization

2. PLANETCARE 2.0

Did you know that 35% of the ocean’s microplastic problem comes from washing machines? Since the clothes we wear today are mostly a blend of synthetic fibers, these fibers mix with the water and make their way to the ocean. But this is where PLANETCARE 2.0 comes in with a microfiber filter attachment for your washing machine!

Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $95 (35% off)

Why is it noteworthy?

The PLANETCARE 2.0 is a nifty filter that can be snapped onto the side of your washing machine. It filters all the water the machine drains out after a cycle! It is the water equivalent of you sorting out your trash.

What we like

• Can be easily attached to your washing machine
• Catches all the microplastics from your washing machine’s drain water

What we dislike

• You may need to change/adjust the position of the filter to ensure adequate water pressure.

3. Wasteware Collection

Viennese designer Barbara Gollackner collaborated with Australian chef and restaurant owner Martin Kilga to create the ‘Wasteware’ collection, a range of tableware made using leftover food! The duo created a collection of bowls, plates, and cutlery using industrial and personal food waste.

Why is it noteworthy?

To bring the interesting tableware items to life, the studio utilized food waste such as pork skin, and old bread – from personal and industrial waste.  The waste collected was dried out or cooked and then blended into a smooth paste which was held together using mycelium. Water or breadcrumbs were added to the mix if needed.

What we like

• Combats the issue of food wastage
• Colorful and vibrant aesthetics. They will add a spark of life to your dinner table

What we dislike

• Not sure how durable the products are, and what is their lifespan

4. Grovemade’s Hardwood Cups and Planters

Made the hard old school way in Grovemade’s Portland OR factory, the cups, planters, and dishes are carved from solid maple or walnut.

Why is it noteworthy?

The detailed pieces are hand-sanded and finished with a clear vegetable-based oil which highlights the natural warmth, elegance, and sheer beauty of the wood.

What we like

• Come in various metal and material options, so you can pick and choose

What we dislike

• Aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring

5. SATURNO Lamp

This unique spherical lamp is heavily inspired by the planet Saturn and its beautiful rings. It borrows ideas from the planet’s morphology to build something fun, unique, and sustainable.

Why is it noteworthy?

The SATURNO lamp is actually made of three disc-shaped parts that connect without the use of any glue or screws. There are cutouts instead that allow the parts to be inserted into each other at perpendicular angles. Two are made from walnut wood, while the third is made from resin, which could be any sustainable kind.

What we like

• The LEDs can be controlled to showcase different colors and intensities
• A versatile lighting fixture that gives a glimpse of the heavens right inside your home

What we dislike

• The lamp won’t stand with its horizontal light mimicking the light scattered by Saturn’s rings unless it is provided with some support

6. Kara

Kara is a modular coffee machine that is designed to last forever, even when the manufacturer has stopped producing replacement parts!

Why is it noteworthy?

The secret is that these parts can be 3D printed if access to the original is no longer possible. The more technical components can be replaced or substituted with other electronics, presuming those are still in production.

What we like

• Unlike most designs that promote repairability, Kara doesn’t require advanced knowledge or skills to make that possible
• Sustainable design

What we dislike

• Bulky design that will occupy a lot of real estate in your kitchen

7. Earthmade Aromacup

The Earthmade Aromacup is a portable coffee cup made using Bamboo-O, an eco-friendly material that is made from bamboo fiber and plant starch.

Why is it noteworthy?

These travel coffee cups offer a significantly more sustainable option than typical silicone or thermal tumblers. More than just the materials and processes, however, the drinkware’s life continues even after it is no longer usable, at least not by humans.

What we like

• Portable and sustainable design

What we dislike

• There is no feature to allow for temperature retention of the coffee for those who like to keep their brew hot for long.

8. Oakwood MagSafe Collection

The Oakwood MagSafe collection utilizes the Apple MagSafe chargers to provide actual charging function and good-looking aesthetics as well. What they offer, instead, are solid and multi-functional bases that not only keep your iPhone or Apple Watch in place but also add some life to your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.

What we like

• The MagSafe charger they hold can be removed and used as normal
• Prevents more e-waste in the long run

What we dislike

• None of the accessories come with an Apple MagSafe charger

9. FR-1 Bike Saddle

This Scottish brand is one such company that wants to bring more sustainable solutions for the bikes and bike parts that they manufacture. Their first product is called FR-1 Bike Saddle and it is made from cork

Why is it noteworthy?

At first, you would think this is not a sturdy and comfortable material for something that you will be sitting on probably for a long period. But cork is actually pretty durable and lightweight so it should be something that can last a long time and not hurt your tushy that much. It is also water-resistant and can offer better cushioning compared to other materials.

What we like

• Stronger but also more lightweight compared to the more common steel that a lot of bike seats use
• Sustainable + supports historic local cork farming

What we dislike

10. Packioli

A Turkish designer was able to come up with soap packaging called Packioli that is both hygienic and non-plastic and therefore more eco-friendly. One thing missing from most similar products is convenience and she was able to add it to this as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

She used artichoke leaves and combined them with peapod bioplastics in order to create packaging that commercial soap brands can actually use if they really want to be more eco-conscious in creating their products.

What we like

• It not only solves getting rid of plastic for soaps but also helps get rid of artichoke waste, which is around 80% of the actual vegetable

What we dislike

• The look of the packaging is not similar to what we’re used to, with the labels and other colorful decorations, so may not be preferred by everyone

The global climate crisis is an ongoing, and worsening, part of everyday life. As a global phenomenon, it is now undeniably pushing the needle on everything from agricultural collapse to global civil unrest, due largely to society’s dependence on CO2-emitting fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and electricity. But there’s always hope. Sustainable design is growing more and more prevalent in efforts to combat global climate change and lessen the resulting destruction of our one and only livable planet. Take this solar-powered aircraft or this sustainable coffee cup-turned-planter as recent examples of sustainable design pervading product design on a macro and micro level.

Green energy is a huge (and rapidly growing) part of sustainable design, but one of the key issues with large-scale green energy production – drawing mostly or entirely from natural energy sources like solar and wind, which produce zero carbon emissions, therefore slowing the roll of climate change – is solar panels and wind turbines provide far less energy than coal or oil power plants for the amount of land they take up. Many countries’ power grids are still mostly dependent on fossil fuel sources as a result, and since climate change ripples across the entire globe, the complex process of reaching a single unified solution is inevitably going to require the collaboration of the entire global workforce.

Soleolico is doing its part by putting several green energy sources together in the same space with its newly revealed photovoltaic “sails”, which are basically vertical-axis wind turbines (they have tall blades facing forward attached to a hub that’s facing upward, allowing the turbine to spin in a horizontal circumference) with solar panels mounted on the front part of the blades. As of October 9, one fully operational Soleolico unit is placed outside of the Palacio de la Magdalena in Santander, Spain, with hopefully many more installations to come.

Designer: Soleolico

Soleolico’s core idea is providing a 24/7 green energy source. Its individual blades are designed to automatically orient to the direction and strength of wind through the company’s “patented magnetic system”. Moreover, if either wind or solar become unavailable, the same system can lean on whichever resource is available, even storing excess power in built-in energy storage systems.

Generating green energy isn’t Soleolico’s only function. It also scrubs CO2 out of the air via a 3D-printable coating made of “natural agents” that make it similar to a tree. The company even goes as far as calling it the world’s “First Technological Tree”, given its ability to integrate naturally into forests and other important and complex ecosystems while providing a higher energy production capacity than traditional wind turbines.

The aforementioned 3D-printable coating, currently produced at the LaMáquina manufacturing center in Barcelona, Spain, uses Pure.Tech organic 3D-printing technology. According to Aldo Sollazzo, the Director of Pure.Tech, “the installation of 1,000 units of Soleolico absorbs the same amount of CO2 as 287 trees in a year, according to our calculations, based on data from the European Environmental Agency and our certified laboratories”.

That’s not all. Soleolico’s “sails” design can also display advertisements and branding imagery, making them function as self-sustaining electric billboards. It’s unclear how quickly it (and other technology like it) will catch on en masse, but the fact that such an invention exists and can be produced quickly thanks to new advancements in 3D-printing tech is ultimately hopeful.

The interplay between color, light, and temperature has long been a subject of scientific exploration. The colors we perceive are the result of how objects absorb and reflect light, with white being the most reflective and black being the least. Harnessing this science, researchers at Stanford University have pioneered an eco-friendly solution to regulate indoor temperatures and significantly reduce energy consumption, providing a promising alternative to traditional air conditioning systems. This breakthrough comes at a critical juncture, as the global demand for cooling and heating places immense strain on energy resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Designer: Stanford Research Team

I am someone who lives in Dubai and don’t even get me started about how hot it gets here throughout the year, and in the summers, it’s honestly unbearable. Living in hot climates like Dubai often means facing sweltering summers where air conditioning becomes a necessity rather than a luxury. However, the environmental consequences of heavy air conditioning usage cannot be ignored. There are many such cities with a similar issue especially with the global temperatures rising. Isn’t it so ironic that the medium we use (AC) to cool our environment momentarily, increases the temperatures in the longer run? In response to this dilemma, scientists have been tirelessly working to develop innovative solutions, and one such breakthrough is the newly invented range of paints from Stanford University.

In October of the previous year, researchers at Purdue University made headlines with their iteration of the world’s whitest paint, reflecting a remarkable 97.1% of the sun’s rays. Building on this achievement, the team at Stanford University has gone a step further by creating a palette of colors, including orange, yellow, blue, and white. This collection of pigments is designed to regulate temperatures, making spaces cooler during summer and warmer in winter, thus reducing the need for excessive heating and air conditioning.

The significance of this invention cannot be understated. Currently, heating and cooling consume around 13% of the world’s energy, contributing to approximately 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The innovative paints developed by Stanford researchers are poised to address this energy challenge head-on, substantially reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Key to the success of these paints is their unique composition. Unlike conventional paints, these new colors employ a dual-layer design. The bottom layer utilizes aluminum flakes to create an infrared reflective surface, while an ultrathin, infrared transparent upper layer is made from inorganic nanoparticles. This innovative structure allows the paint to reflect a significant portion of high mid-infrared light, a major contributor to heat absorption. This dual-layer design has practical implications for both cooling and heating. For instance, when applied to exterior walls and roofs, the paint reflects sunlight, preventing heat buildup. Conversely, when applied to interior walls, the lower layer reflects infrared waves, helping to retain heat within the space.

Tests have demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of these paints. In cold conditions, energy usage for heating was reduced by 36%, while in warm conditions, cooling energy requirements were decreased by nearly 21%. This level of energy savings has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach climate control in buildings and vehicles.

One of the most appealing aspects of these paints is their aesthetics. Unlike traditional low-emissivity paints that are limited to white, metallic silver, or gray, this new range offers a variety of colors. The infrared transparent upper layer enables a broader spectrum of hues, allowing for energy-efficient designs that do not compromise on appearance. This development is particularly important for architecture and design, where aesthetics play a significant role in building construction and urban planning.

Importantly, the new paints are also durable and versatile. Both layers of the paint are water-repellent, ensuring stability even in humid environments. Cleaning painted surfaces is a breeze, requiring nothing more than a wet cloth or water flushing. Moreover, these paints have demonstrated resilience in extreme conditions, from high temperatures to acidic environments, without compromising their performance or appearance.

As this revolutionary technology continues to evolve, the research team is committed to further refining the paint formulations for real-world applications. They are exploring the possibility of replacing organic solutions with water-based alternatives, which would enhance eco-friendliness and commercial viability.

In conclusion, the innovative paints developed by scientists at Stanford University hold the promise of transforming the way we approach temperature regulation in buildings, vehicles, and beyond. By harnessing the power of color and light reflection, these paints offer an environmentally friendly solution to the growing energy consumption associated with heating and cooling. As we continue to strive for sustainable living, such groundbreaking innovations provide a glimmer of hope for a cooler, greener future.