Scarab Recycling Robot | Harvesting Urban Trash

Urban dwellers encounter constant amounts of garbage each and every day, and while recycling and cleaning solutions have been effective there’s still a need for constant trash collection.  Introducing the Scarab Robot Harvester concept by innovator and designer Olga Kalugina that’s looking to clean the streets and mall areas automatically.

Hot it works.  The Robot is equipped with web cameras and advanced wheel drive gears that allow it to scope out and harvest the garbage.  As the Robot finds debris it both gathers and cleans as it moves along its selected route.  The garbage is then stored automatically and disposed of once the trash receptor is full.  Recharging the Robot is done automatically as well so it can stay on track sustainably.

The Scarab Robot Harvester is still in design phases but we hope to see prototypes in the near future.  Check out the project at www.olkadesign.com!

Cardboard Bicycle

Cardboard is no longer only used for building forts in your basement.

Izhar Gafni has engineered a cardboard bicycle called the Alfa from mostly cardboard and 100% recycled materials. The Alfa weighs 20lbs, but can sustain the weight of 485lbs, well hey now that’s a heck of a deal (said in Tommy Boy-Chris Farley voice). The cost is astonishing as well with each unit ranging from $9 – $12 and a mere $5 for children’s bikes. The pedal system is relatively maintenance free due to the unique belt-driven system Gafni created.

Gafni was initially told that his design goals were impossible. This didn’t deter his drive and after 3 years of design, numerous patents and focused determination he proved the naysayers wrong, BAM. This just goes to show that we have not hit the ceiling on innovation; if it can be imagined, it can be created. Gafni is currently working on raising funds to put the Alfa into production, so keep your sights on this project and get your hands on one as soon as they hit the streets.

 

UncommonGoods | Sustainable Living

Manufacturing standardization in general has taken a step away from sustainability and fair trade initiatives, BUT a U.S. based brand has a surfaced with an UNCOMMON way of doing business.  UncommonGoods’ specializes in unique gifts and creative finds with an emphasis on sustainability, quality customer service, and online retailing innovation.

Recieving their B-Corporation certification in June of 2012 – you can see on paper that UncommonGoods is committed to doing good through their operations.  Their intuitive interface gives consumers the ability to interact with a quality online brand that offers a variety of products that are creatively designed, high quality, and affordable.

In the video above, The Stump Collection is reviewed.  From the ideas to how the product is manufactured – you’ll see and feel the inspiration that UncommonGoods strives to find in each of its manufacturers.  They’ve also launched a program called “Better to Give”, where customers can give UncommonGoods the opportunity to contribute to a non-profit organization each a customer shops with them.

UncommonGoods operates on standards that all businesses should follow, and that consumers should support.  UncommonGoods’ business functions around social and environmental responsibility and has become a change agent for the online retail world.  Check out their goods and various initiatives at www.uncommongoods.com , and be sure to review their B-Corporation Impact Report at www.bcorporation.net/uncommongoods.

Warning | The Mo Bros are Coming

The most manly of months is nearly upon us. November 1^st will mark the day that men around the globe will have but one duty, the manliest of duties, and that being, the growing of a legendary MUSTACHE. (cue guitar wailing in the background)

Not only does the sprouting of glorious upper lip whiskers display manliness, but the Movember organization has created a lasting platform for raising awareness and funds for prostate and testicular cancer, among other men’s health issues.  Throughout the month, the gallant men (a.k.a Mo Bros) will promote the cause by encouraging private and public conversation around these issues.  By way of support from the women in their lives (a.k.a Mo Sistas), the Mo Bros will raise funds through sponsorship for their brave and heroic upper lip growth throughout the entire month of November.

The month will be capped off by magnificent soiree’s celebrating the noble efforts of all participating men and the donations the month accumulated.  These gatherings are either personal parties with close friends or the legendary Movember Gala Partés held around the globe.

This cause has real effects with over $120 million dollars raised in 2011 alone.  The dollars go directly towards the strategic initiatives outlined by the identified programs for prostate and testicular cancer.

Log on to Movember on the 1^st to help support, praise, congratulate and admire the cookie duster best friends that will grow throughout the month.

The Vanity Project | clothing with a cause

What Do You Stand For?

The Vanity Project (TVP) uses this multi-layered question as the underpin for their clothing design. They directly collaborate with non-profit organizations to produce clothing based on the social and societal causes these organizations represent.  TVP provides the platform of support to elevate the awareness for the issue and 51% of each sale goes back to the organization featured.

TVP began in Chicago and has since morphed into a holistic outreach system encompassing several areas of focus: Education & Youth Development, Hunger and Poverty, Disease Support, Social Equality, and Environmental.  This is greater than just a clothing company, but a chance to choose and represent the causes you are truly passionate about.

Check out their stylish designs HERE and if you don’t see a cause you care about, contact them and a start a collaboration today.

People Water | Drop For Drop

People.  Need.  Clean Water.

Give H2O through your water consumption habits with People Water.  People Water isn’t a charity nor is it a non-profit organization but a cause based for-profit organization who is committed to alleviating the global water crisis.

Their Drop For Drop commitment looks to develop or restore sustainable water sources in areas of need.  In looking at the simple idea of making it easier to help people, People Water has developed a way for people to do good through each sip of water they consume.

For an alternative/eco-friendly way to consume water and give back to those in need check out People Water at www.peoplewater.com.

Giving made easy.  That’s People Water.  Enjoy.

The Arbor Collective | alt apparel design

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Arbor Collective crafts their products from alternative materials with application, functionality, and the environment in mind.  The company was established in Venice in 1995 and immediately took responsibility for creating a better tomorrow for shredders everywhere.  They bolster a collective of riders, artists, environmentalists and entrepreneurs that share the same mindset of a greener planet.  Besides taking advantage of sustainable clothing creation initiatives, they also donate at least 5% of profits to different organizations annually, print on recycled paper, recycle ALL office waste, use soy-based inks and regulate carbon emissions.

They are currently working with True Offsets to help the restoration and protection of the forestlands in the Hawaiian Islands. In the past they have partnered with such organizations as The Surfrider Foundation, American Forests, The Rainforest Action Network, and The Nature Conservancy.

If you are bombin’ around Venice, check out their physical store at 102 Washington Boulevard or check out their gear online HERE.

Proof | Sustainable Wood Wear

Wood wear curator, Proof, brings you a collection of sustainable eye ware, clothing, and accessory products that are REAL schaweet and eco-friendly.

From their first pair of glasses to the more recently offered wood wallet, Proof has been continuously innovating to bring customers more eco-friendly products.  Their most recent wallet product was made possible by 768 Kickstartbackers raising over $30,000 to get the product off the ground. The simple design is crafted from 100% eco-friendly materials and follows the UNIQUE mantra that Proof has come to follow. Proof creates with a love for product design and a love for the environment. No project is too small for these innovators, they are just looking to get involved and aid a HELPing hand whenever possible.

Proof actively supports a number of “Do Good” initiatives including the support of eye clinics in India, the first recycling program for sunglasses, and planting trees in addition to their sustainably sourced materials.

Check out Proof’s Collection where you’ll find great products all curated in the most sustainable fashion.  ENJOY.

Proof | Sustainable Wood Wear

Wood wear curator, Proof, brings you a collection of sustainable eye ware, clothing, and accessory products that are REAL schaweet and eco-friendly.

From their first pair of glasses to the more recently offered wood wallet, Proof has been continuously innovating to bring customers more eco-friendly products.  Their most recent wallet product was made possible by 768 Kickstartbackers raising over $30,000 to get the product off the ground. The simple design is crafted from 100% eco-friendly materials and follows the UNIQUE mantra that Proof has come to follow. Proof creates with a love for product design and a love for the environment. No project is too small for these innovators, they are just looking to get involved and aid a HELPing hand whenever possible.

Proof actively supports a number of “Do Good” initiatives including the support of eye clinics in India, the first recycling program for sunglasses, and planting trees in addition to their sustainably sourced materials.

Check out Proof’s Collection where you’ll find great products all curated in the most sustainable fashion.  ENJOY.

TED Talks | Sir Ken Robinson, Bring on The Learning Revolution

We don’t utilize our talents.  We are in a human resource crisis.  We need to revolutionize.

These statements are echoed in Sir Ken Robinson’s newest TED Talks speech on how a linear education model has created a mechanical workforce.  The linear narrative of the past must be changed.  Passion should drive talents, not process.  Those who have a real passion for what they do absolutely LOVE it and the sad reality is that these people are the minority.

CHALLENGE:  Ask yourself if you are truly doing what you love and ask people you interact with on a daily basis that same question. This is step 1.

We have been taught to start here and go there, but one person’s path is not another’s and that path should not be manufactured, but ORGANIC.  The mold is difficult to change and innovation is hard, but through this adjustment and separation from conformity organic growth can be realized.

Ken believes we are fraught with a “tyranny of common sense”, where we think that if something has not been done before, then it cannot be done. We must construct our own path with passion and drive for a learning revolution where we locate talents that excite our spirits.

Step 2: look deep within and determine your real passions in life.  What excites you?

Let’s disenthrall ourselves with this obsession of linearity and push forward for a more unique and meaningful future.

Check out Ken’s brilliant speech HERE.