15/06/2020
An increase in greenhouse gases, population, and anthropogenic activity, urbanisation and industrialisation along with many other factors, are all putting our planet under huge pressure and constraint.
It is no shock that polar ice and glaciers are melting at a rate of 2-3 times higher than in the 19th century, rainforests, oceans, and other fragile habitats are suffering, species are becoming extinct due to changing environments and coral reefs are depleting.
There is no doubt that environmentally friendly, natural, and renewable energy sources are fundamental to ensuring our planet has a sustainable future. Humans may be enjoying the comforts of emerging technologies and economic developments today, but the more damage we do, the more of an impact on our future generations, the world we know today, or even on the sustainability of earth itself.
TSL has selected innovative and exciting entrepreneurs who are taking sustainability and renewable energies to the next level.
We all have a responsibility to be environmentally aware, but it is the next generation of designers and inventors who will help to keep our world a sustainable and healthy planet to live in.
A professional rugby player and founder of Cocobana, Lewis has developed a range of products made 100% from coconut shells, replacing everyday items such as bowls and cutlery with eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives.
99% of coconut shells end up as burned charcoal and therefore reclaiming these shells directly from growers for a fair price provides revenue to the community and reduces the carbon footprint of local farmers.
In an aim to reduce the carbon footprint of everyday plastic products, coupled with a longstanding coconut obsession, Lewis has created a product which is made from durable, natural and organic materials perfect for crafting into hard wearing yet beautiful, and unique pieces your home or business.
James Dyson 2019 award winner, Lucy Hughes is an inspiring engineer from the UK who has invented a new 100% organic, biodegradable marine-based material, that can be used as an alternative packaging material. It is completely biodegradable within 4-6 weeks, so perfect for home composting.
With the biodegradable lifespan of some plastics being up to 450 years, and the continuing issues with providing landfill sites, it has never been more important to find alternative earth-friendly materials.
The product is made from materials sourced from the sea, predominantly made from agar, red algae, and proteins from fish waste. Working with a circular economy, MarinaTex will help to utilise the 172,702 tonnes of fish waste produced each year into a renewable source for everyday use, reducing the need for non-biodegradable solutions.
Laurence Kemball Cook invented a new sustainable technology that would convert the kinetic energy of a simple footstep into a renewable energy source.
Founding Pavegen in 2011 at the age of 24, Laurence discovered that generating energy through footsteps is a renewable energy source that could be utilised through a smart flooring system. These walkways include integrated blue tooth sensors built into the tiles. This intelligence then transforms data analysis obtained into measurement, capturing the number of steps captured and the energy generated.
The technology has already helped communities globally with LED lighting and environmental sensor solutions. Pavegen designed a running track in an office in Hong Kong which utilised the exercise of workers throughout the day to help power the office lights! Amazing.
Design & Technology and Engineering teachers have the power to educate, inspire, and nurture the up and coming minds behind tomorrows greener world.
Laurence Kemball Cook invented a new sustainable technology that would convert the kinetic energy of a simple footstep into a renewable energy source.
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