The windows of the future could feature transparent wood instead of glass
Wood may sound like the wrong choice of material to replace the glass in your windows, but a team of researchers just proved the contrary. A group of scientists at the USDA, together with several other institutions, has developed “transparent wood,” a glass-like material made almost entirely Read More...
Sand coated in soybean oil is a green substitute for plastic mulch
Mulch is used to help the soil retain its moisture. We tend to think of mulch as something organic made from materials such as bark chips or dead leaves, but the reality is mulch can take the form of plastic. In fact, many farmers use a plastic form of mulch to keep the soil moist. This involves Read More...
Cactus leather boxing gloves pack a sustainable punch
From shoes to wallets, we’ve seen plant-based leather make its way into all kinds of products over the years. But today we bring you something we’ve certainly never seen before: Boxing gloves made from cactus leather. Typically, boxing gloves are made from cowhide or other animal-based leather. Read More...
Park in Copenhagen is designed to stop rainwater from flooding the streets
Following a devastating dose of heavy rain in 2011 that cost Copenhagen $1 billion in damage, the Danish capital decided to begin investing in hundreds of climate-resilient projects that could mitigate the city’s vulnerability to flooding as a result of extreme rainstorms — which are only Read More...
This air purifier filters the air in your home in an eco-conscious way
Most air purifiers improve the air quality in your home by removing dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria, using filters made from a combination of glass fibers and plastic. At the end of their lives, typically six to eight months, the nonrecyclable filters are tossed, eventually ending up in a Read More...
New cement-free sewerage concrete prevents fatbergs and corrosion
The cement used to construct concrete sewerage systems around the world does a mighty job of helping wash away our waste but does have its shortcomings. Scientists in Australia have developed a new cement-free solution they say is better equipped to handle the corrosive nature of these Read More...
This dad is reinventing the playground to make it more inclusive
The playground is meant to help kids imagine. It is meant to help kids imagine and investigate the world, to develop motor skills, and enjoy exercise through play. And perhaps most importantly, the playground is there to help kids make new friends. Here’s the problem: the way playgrounds are Read More...
This fashion award encourages emerging fashion designers to go circular
Fashion awards are typically established with the purpose of showcasing new styles to the world and celebrating designers with the most outstanding contributions to the industry during the year. The Redress Design Award takes it a step further by aiming to shine a spotlight on the importance and Read More...
These biodegradable straws are made out of methane by bacteria
Greenhouse gas emissions and marine plastic pollution are two of the most pressing environmental challenges the world faces at the moment. A California-based startup aims to tackle both issues simultaneously. Biotech company Newlight, has figured out a way to use a certain strain of microbes to Read More...
Students create device that captures microplastics from car tires
While a lesser-known culprit, the tires of our vehicles are one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution. Every time a car brakes, accelerates, or turns a corner, its tires gradually shed tiny particles that become airborne and make their way into our waterways. In Europe, alone, the amount of Read More...