Ideas out loud

For all ideas that deserved to be shared! 
Tags


Filed under

sustainability

 
November 23, 2009

Driptech | A low cost and affordable approach to a high cost industry

via driptech.com

Driptech, a small startup started by a young guy in the US is now helping people on the other side of the planet create a new sustainable irrigation system. Traditionally, irrigation systems are extremely expensive and limited to industrial farms of the Western World, however Driptech has found a cheap and reliable way for farmers in India & China to grow crops with the benefits of drip irrigation at a price that is affordable to these farmers.

This system may not just be for farmers in the developing nations either as a lot of small farms in the US, Canada and Australia, for example, could do with some lost cost solutions to better watering practices and more sustainable agriculture. Drip irrigation is especially relevant to places like Australia that are primarily arid and very weather dependent.

Filed under  //   sustainability   water  

Comments [0]

July 17, 2009

Disruptive technologies force innovation on the incumbents | Nissan Introduces New Dual Injector System

Full article: nissan-global.com
Follow me on twitter here

On the arrival of new technologies, incumbent firms are usually slow and unwilling to take notice. For the car industry electric powered cars have been extremely disruptive, no one has been better at jumping on this that Toyota, whereas GM was too busy listening to its core customers to see what was coming and has since paid a high price.

However, on the introduction of new and disruptive technologies incumbent technologies get a breath of fresh air, and are often drained of every single ounce of efficiency before their death. We have seen this type of behavior throughout history, one well documented example wass when steam engines were introduced to the shipping industry, which at the time was sail powered. Over the following years there were great improvements and innovation in sail powered vessels, until the efficiencies and cost associated with steam gave steam powered vessels the competitive edge.

In this example, the conventional gasoline engine gets a dose of innovation through the development of a dual injector system. The new injector system improves the fuel efficiency of the engine by 4% and also reduces the need for rare metals by up to 75%, what this means is an overall cost reduction of 60% in comparison to similar engine types. Quite impressive!

These latest innovations are part of the "Blue Citizenship" initiative of Nissan to protect our blue planet and be a better corporate citizen, one I believe all companies should be aiming towards. There are great benefits for organizations and the like focusing on more sustainable innovations.

Anyone have any other examples?

Filed under  //   disruptive technologies   engines   innovation   sustainability   technology  

Comments [0]

June 16, 2009

No need for the refrigerated vending machine - Non-toxic self chilling cans - The Instant Cooling Can

Chill 1
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!
via tempratech.com

As long as you can wait three minutes, the patented technology can drop the can’s temperature by a minimum of 16.7° Celsius or 30° Fahrenheit.

When activated, the desiccant contained within a vacuum draws the heat from the beverage through the evaporator into an insulated heat-sink container. Leaving your beverage cold and ready to consume.

The cans are non-toxic, 100% safe and eco-friendly. Apparently, they are also easy to operate, transport and store, using no carbon dioxide, CFC, HFC or any other compressed gas.

Filed under  //   sustainability   technology  

Comments [0]

June 15, 2009

For all those interested in the construction industry - Hycrete - a sustianable concrete additive

via hycrete.com

Hycrete have created a new concrete additive that waterproofs concrete, resulting in lower construction costs and eliminates the need for a waterproof membrane being placed around the construction. Additionally, architects that incorporate this material into their building design are eligible for being awarded points under the green building certification program LEED.

Filed under  //   construction   sustainability  

Comments [0]

June 9, 2009

More sustainable pots - Packit Potz Polypropylene Pots For Plants by Anton Webb » Yanko Design

via yankodesign.com

A clever pot design from Anton Webb, that is both aesthetic and sustainable for the planet and the plant.

Filed under  //   design   home   sustainability  

Comments [0]

June 9, 2009

We need to change the way we eat! - Mark Bittman on what's wrong with what we eat

via ted.com

Compelling presentation about how eating badly affects both our health and our planet! Please share!!

Filed under  //   home   personal   sustainability  

Comments [0]