Decentralized cloud service turns servers’ waste energy into household heat
When energy is transferred, heat is always a waste product – however, if the heat can be captured it can be converted back into useful energy. This is something that the creators of the BioLite stove and device charger has already recognized, and now Germany-based AOTERRA hopes to place cloud servers in people’s homes, using the waste heat they produce to keep the properties warm. READ MORE…
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…
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…
Board game uses melting ice to highlight effects of global warming on animals
Educational children’s games have delved into territories such as environmental responsibility before – regular readers may remember our coverage of Play Rethink, for example. Treading the line between entertainment and education can be a tough act to pull off, however. MELTDOWN – a new board game from Germany – innovatively incorporates real ice to demonstrate the plight of polar bears whose habitat is being affected by global warming. 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…
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…
In the Netherlands, ‘garbage bag’ encourages reuse of contents
The Swap-o-Matic vending machine has already provided one way to pass on unused items to others, rather than sending them to landfill. Another solution from the Netherlands comes in the form of the Goedzak – a transparent ‘garbage bag’ for unwanted goods that allows passersby to see inside and decide if they could make use of them. READ MORE…
Online farmer’s market enables local, subscription-based food communities
It may be feasible for a large hospital to build and operate its own organic greenhouse, but that’s simply not an option for countless other organizations and communities, however much they might want similar produce. Enter Farmigo, a site that connects local farms with groups such as workplaces, schools and community centers for custom delivery subscriptions direct to a convenient community location. READ MORE…
