Where Are They Now? - SOLARKIOSK
Starting a new venture anywhere can be a daunting task, but factor in the tough environment of rural Africa, and an idea that’s as ambitious as it is technically difficult, and you’ve got a job on your hands. Undaunted, SOLARKIOSK has set out to deliver easy-to-install solar electricity and light-providing hubs that could help those in off-grid areas to develop their own businesses. The company is guided by the fact that those regions where electricity sources aren’t abundant are what could be considered a no man’s land – even more so when the sun sets and complete darkness descends. In actuality 1.5 billion people around the world spend their lives in such areas, where they have to walk for days to charge their phone, find refrigerated food or medicine, or resort to dangerous kerosene lamps for illumination. These communities have little opportunity to socialize, never mind set up a business. READ MORE…
Glowing polar bear energy sensor, book and app educates kids about global warming
The plight of polar bears is one of the many concerns raised due to the effects of global warming, and we recently saw the MELTDOWN board game innovatively educate young children about the issue. Now Norway-based Caretosave has created the animal-shaped Bobo energy display, storybook and app for kids, which illustrates the connection between home energy consumption and the wellbeing of polar bears. READ MORE…
Parasol offers solar charging for mobile devices
As the summer season begins in the northern hemisphere, consumers will be spending more time outdoors – but how to keep all of those electronic devices charged? We recently saw the SUN&CLOUD digital camera offer battery boosts via solar energy, and now New York-based gadget store Hammacher Schlemmer claims to be offering the first available-to-buy mobile-charging parasol. READ MORE…
Envelope-sized container takes guesswork out of urban gardening
The grow-your-own trend is one that’s really taken off in recent years, and while startups such as the UK’s Allotinabox have provided homeowners with the basic materials to start their own home gardening projects, our latest spotting goes that little bit further. Patch is a self-watering herb planter that makes urban gardening projects easier, delivered through the letterbox. READ MORE…
From Japan, high-definition digital camera features dynamo and solar panels
We’ve already seen products such as the GravityLight introduce novel ways to generate electricity for devices in regular use. Aimed at consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, the SUN&CLOUD digital camera is the first which can be wholly powered by the sun or a built-in dynamo. READ MORE…
Fresh fish subscription delivers local seafood caught that week
Springwise has seen its fair share of food subscription services over the years, covering almost anything from artisan breads to meal and music combinations. Our latest spotting is UK’s Catchbox, a non-profit co-operative that delivers whatever fresh fish has been caught by local fishermen each week. READ MORE…
Urban billboard ad repurposed as rain catcher in community garden
We’ve seen billboard ads repurposed for other uses, and we’ve seen a billboard that captures drinking water. Now combining a bit of both concepts, natural beauty company Burt’s Bees recently donated an old billboard ad to a school for reuse as a rain catcher. READ MORE…
Steam-heat radiator retrofit controls heat and cuts emissions
Manufacturers of radiators today may well adhere to the strict energy regulations that ensure they don’t waste heat, but there are still many buildings stuck with outdated systems. We’ve seen EcoRad embark on repurposing old cast-iron models for use with electric heat, and now Radiator Labs has created a retrofit for steam-based radiators that helps distribute heat more evenly around buildings, saving energy in the process. READ MORE…
Rental scheme analyzes customer location and offers an electric car, bike or bus accordingly
While we’ve previously seen an attempt to connect drivers with shared electric cars, this new initiative from Downtown Project is pairing a variety of transport options with eco concerns. Specifically, their Project 100 scheme will include a fleet of 100 Tesla Model S electric cars for use by anyone who pays a monthly subscription fee. READ MORE…
Coaster charges phones using energy from hot or cold drinks
Regular readers of Springwise may remember our recent coverage of the PowerPot, a cooking device that takes advantage of disparities in thermal energy to power phone chargers. Now the Epiphany onE Puck aims to achieve something similar, enabling anyone to charge their handset using hot or cold drinks. READ MORE…
