This is what is in the middle of the ocean, there are multiple garbage patches to througout the world. In the Pacific the path is the size of Texas

Harvesting Plastic From the Pacific Garbage Patch for Oil

The Pacific Garbage Gyre could possibly hurt tourism in Hawaii and now researchers are looking into harvesting the plastic to generate oil.

Recycled motor oil, in your car.

Valvoline recently introduced their NextGen line of motor oil that is made from 50% recycled oil, and its still 100% recyclable. This re-refined oil requires less energy to manufacture, reduces crude oil demand, and contains less pollutants than normal motor oil. I've been recycling my used motor oil for years and never knew where it went. Its good to see recycled and be used again for what it was manufactured for.

New Balance going green

New Balance found a way to make shoes from 95% recycled plastic bottles. They are scheduled to be released this October, and are called the newSky. New Balance tried to focus on reducing waste, reusing material, and recycling as much as possible.

It takes one designer or company to start a trend, everyone else will start following them sooner or later...

75 Things You Can Compost, But Thought You Couldn't

 A list compiled of things that are compostable that you maybe are not aware of.

Masdar City_100% Eco-Friendly City

The project is ambitious to say the least and if it is completed as planned is really incredible. Masdar City will become the first city truly zero emissions, no waste and oil. Located near Abu Dhabi, the goal is to become the world center of clean energy.

Eco Impact of Columbus' Journey

It seems Columbus brought change with him in more than one way to the new world and this article sums up just a few that had major impacts in their ecosystems.

Iceland Builds First Zero Carbon Data Center

Iceland just seems to be making headway in world environmental studies all the time and this is just another example. A 5,400 sq ft area will be set aside for the data center that will be run entirely on geothermal and hydroelectric power. The building itself will be helped along by icelands cold climate, making for cold running server systems.

Contest

Sounds like a fun thing to participate in.

i know where'd i'd be on my lunch break

Where Does Garbage Go?

http://tinygreenbubble.com/eco/environmental/item/2081-where-does-garbage-go?

ECOR

This is a new material technology that is pure, sustainable, and green. It made from water, fiber, heat, and pressure. There is NO formaldehyde, chemicals, petroleum, and no toxic additives whatsoever. We can make it out of any fiber, mostly from recycled paper, card board, and even cow pies.

It starts with a corrugated panel. We can make curves, spirals, honey combs out of this panel to create highly engineered products. Anything you would make out of wood you can make with Ecor!

Just a small part

a picture taken from the international space station shows just a small part of the earth. What is intriguing is how much light is getting emitted in those areas. So much energy is getting consumed every second. Although this is a spectacular scene, the world looks better in its natural state.

Just TV's

This is just tv's. Imagine all the other gadgets that accumulate in the landfills. Lets take action now and design products that stay in the home and have a longer lifetime rather than replaced every 2-4 years.

Kirei Board

Never seen this before

Taking a hint from nature

This air purifier does not use any filters of neutralizing chemicals. All it takes is a fan and a plant in a bubble to improve air quality in your home.

Doin' it Danish

This design studio is tackling sustainability in a wide range of products with some really pleasing results.

graffiti that is clean, green, and legal

These two guys are putting their mark on the walls of Germany without resistance from citizens or authorities. They use stencils and a system called "reverse graffiti," where they actually clean scummy walls to create their pictures. The pair depict green, environmentally conscious vehicles in all of their works.

Repurposed material Chairs

I am sure you all have seen most of these but I saw a few new ones in this batch.

Can't do nothing about these...

30 things you cant recycle or compost...

Nom nom nom

Who's hungry....for a poop sandwich? The Japanese are taking the food cycle to another level!

Concert aftermath

Concerts are enjoyable and exciting to watch, but can leave a lot of damage. There is so much trash left after a concert. Most are recyclable but end up in one big trash bag.

Golden State Warriors Hook Up with The Solar Company

The golden state warriors installed solar panels to their practice facility that will help them save money and energy. They estimated that the team will save $36,000 in energy costs during the first year of operation and $2,094,000 over the next 25 years. For a professional sports team to adopt such feature really promotes a greener environment to its neighbors and fans

Bowls made Responsibly

Check out these bowls! They're produced from responsibly harvested European birch. I think the sale price is a bit high but at least you know what you're buying is done with the environment in mind.

The Secret of Eternal (Product) Life: Lessons from J.R.R. Tolkien and John Madden

I would have never considered Tolkien or Madden as a reference for creating longevity in the life of a product, but this guy did.

life cycle of a cell phone

This document goes into a fair amount of details about the life cycle of a cell phone and even has some games. It seems to be focused toward a younger crowd which is great!

Bisque Pottery Collection made from recycled Paper and Sand

Check out these pretty cool vases made completely from recycled paper and sand found on the beach.

Levi's Oldest Organic Pair of Jeans Worth $150,000

Levi's Fall 2011 line is well-stocked with sustainable threads and their company's new "Made in the U.S.A." line made from handcrafted selvage ringspun denim from White Oak Cone Mills in North Carolina. Their company's "Water

Cornell's New 3D Printer

This new 3D printer system called "FabApps," created by Cornell Creative Machines Lab has invented a system where you can print food but lets you create almost any design imaginable with your favorite ingredients.

The Lifecycle of A Cell Phone

Breaking apart the cell phone to the basics parts and materials. Kind of a kid version but informative.

Trash or treasure: The designer objects made of rubbish

Trash to cash anyone? well here are companies making money off of it.

Cool Solar Powered Desk Lamp Suctions to Window To Charge

Reduce our electricity consumption through product that don't need to plug in to the wall

99 Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Can Compost

Weird everyday items we all through away. If people knew more about what was compostable they might acutely start doing it more.

Make it new again

In our efforts to make meaningful objects, we sometimes forget that the old objects we have around us can be made meaningful and useful again. If something still works well, why get rid of it? Maybe get some new handles for that old dresser or some new legs for that old chair. Breathe new life into old things for a change.....

Converting plastic back into oil

A company in Japan has managed to revert plastic into oil. The article also goes into detail how they are going about changing people's view of plastic; rather than viewing it as garbage, people will see it as oil and therefore valuable. There is also a video that goes along with the article.

Where do plastics come from???

Here is a website that does a good job of breaking down the life cycle of plastic from the crude oil it's made of up to the component production phase. The website provides some other information on specific things concerning plastics and sustainability related topics as well. (hint: this site is a good place to look for links for this blog)

Think Resilient

The field of sustainable design is always evolving. Designers are beginning to talk about a new methodology known as "designing for resilience". As we come up with concepts for our classes, we should strive for both good design and 'design for good'.

The story of Cosmetics

http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/

the story of electronics

http://storyofstuff.org/electronics/
Very interesting stuff

New Shipping Box is Major Step Forward in Reusable Packaging

I worked at a place where I need to cut down about 200 boxes a week and put it in the recycle bin. if these boxes were use, i can just return it back to the deliverer. So, they can use it again before it go to the recycle bin.

Green box for pizza

I found this interesting clip. The pizza box that made by 100% recycled material and can be used as a plate.

Nylon Bike Made Using Satellite Technology is as Strong as Steel! Read more: Nylon Bike Made Using Satellite Technology is as Strong as Ste

This is a pretty awesome show of material strength. Nylon bikes that's stronger than steel an amazing show of innovation. If we can apply this innovation into other products this could definitely be rewarding future.

Edward Hodgson Design

I thought this was a pretty cool looking lamp using copper tubing to create a beautiful and simple piece. This is great inspiration for our upcoming project. The simplistic nature of the copper tubing gives a very modern and sleek appearance. I really dig how simple the design is in material as well has form.

EATware's claim to no emissions

The company EATware claims that they have no emissions in their manufacturing... I wonder, are all their machines and vehicles running on solar energy? I agree with and support the companies idea but in reality creating any product makes emissions. Never hurts to try for less though :)

Turning plastic toys into Fountains and Sculptures

Architect Greg Lynn has embraced a love for plastics. He takes old plastic toys and turns them into beautiful sculptures, furniture, and fountains. A great way to re-use oldtoys that would otherwise end up in land-fills

Making Design Out of Rubbish

A company called TerraCycle is embracing waste in all forms and using it for office use. Taking a look at their office space really shows their commitment to sustainability and re-use.

BMW doing it again

MORE CARBON FIBER....but it saves you on gas and has lower C02 emmisions..

Waste Water + Bacteria = Clean Energy

Scientist have learned how to sustainably produce Hydrogen Gas using only water and Bacteria. As of now, they have only learned to produce small amounts of it per day, but its a great step in the right direction.

Herman Miller Awarded for the 8th consecutive year

Once again, they have been rated high on the DJSI which is very impressive for a company. It helps other companies do the same...

Cycle to Lose Weight… and Create Electricity

A Gym in New York, called the New York Sports Club, has invested in Star Trac Spinners. These exercise bikes convert your hard work-out into usable energy. Its interesting to think that one day, all gyms can convert your workout into energy and become more sustainable.

iBamboo iPhone Speaker

http://www.envirogadget.com/mp3-gadgets/ibamboo-iphone-speaker/
iBamboo iPhone Speaker is a natural and elegant way to amplify the sound of your iPhone

Alternative Energy

http://www.envirogadget.com/solar-powered/alternative-energy/

Clever Packaging

This is a great example of great packaging that is just as effective if not more, than something that is printed multiple times, clamshell, or just uses plastic. It also demonstrates the beauty of raw materials without the kitch of being "green"

Upcycling

I think its important to think about the uses of bottles and recyclables in other terms instead of downcycling, it makes it sound like there is only one way to go in terms of product design. I think that upgrading the use or the look of a material is a great way to promote sustainability

Neat Repurpose Example

There's not link, just this picture. Just found it to me a quirky way to reuse an old nintendo.

VTA recycles/reuses tires to reduce noise

This is a transcript describing how VTA makes use of recycled tires in their transportation services.

Bike boosted by sun rays!

Customize your bike to run on solar power. Invented by Terry Hope, the Solarcross is a brilliant electric solar-powered bike.

Top 14 gadgets for back to school!

Are these gadgets on your back to school list? Get a leg up on the academic world while saving the planet all at the same time!

William Brown’s Lockheed Stratoliner Hydrogen Jet Can Go Anywhere On Earth Without Refueling Read more: William Brown's Lockheed Stratoliner Hydrogen Jet Can Go Anywhere On Earth Without Refueling | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

http://inhabitat.com/william-browns-lockheed-stratoliner-hydrogen-jet-can-go-anywhere-on-earth-without-refueling/

10 Solar-Powered Designs to Charge Your Life

http://inhabitat.com/10-solar-powered-designs-to-charge-your-life/

Bacteria that eats plastic

Some rare forms of bacteria can actually eat plastic to break it down to more basic compounds. This is good to reduce landfill but bad because it creates methane gas.

Emergency Beds

The bed's can be made from any standard cardboard. The design shows how to put the cardboard strips together effectively. It's a good solution for emergencies, especially since it uses a common material. Cardboard is great because it can withstand weight and can be recycled. My grandpa made me a bed out of banana boxes in 8th grade, I slept on it for a year and it was way more comfortable than many mattresses. I think this is a great idea with lots of longevity.

DIY green style

A way to create stuff for yourself, friends or your home while saving a dime and the planet. Check out the pallet table. Rustic meet economical.

What plastic can and cant recyclable

I was having a conversation with my co-worker about which type of plastics can be recycled. He told me any type of plastic can be recycled, which i doubt about it. So, i go online and do some quick research about recyclable plastic and found this website.

A plastic bottle, brightening lives.

In Sitio Maligaya a group of people have gotten together and created an innovative solution to a serious problem. . They have no light in their homes and are too poor to pay for electricity. They have been using plastic bottles to allow light in their homes This is just a used plastic bottle full of water and bleach which is sealed off and inserted into metal roofing then installed on the roof of homes. The results are dramatic and the video is inspirational, watch it!

Save the Frogs Tote Bag

tote bag is made out of 7 recycled plastic bottles. It is composed of 99% recycled materials

Eco Friendly Bamboo Furniture

Bamboo furniture made by craftsmen and women in Bali, Indonesia

Antillean Gothic is a Modern and Energy Efficient Take on the Shotgun House

The Antillean Gothic is a concept house based on Carribean style architecture. The eco-friendly house is made of Bamboo and renewable resources and is disaster proof! It utilizes natural light and ventilation for maximum efficiency.

ZIPPO lighter

This could be a real surprise to everyone but zippo lighters are actually very sustainable. Usually made of metal, scraps can be melted down and reused. Zippo's have a very long life. The company was founded in 1932 and became popular in WWII because of its durability. Today, those original lighters can still spark and ignite. When's the last time you heard of anyone throwing away a zippo lighter?

A better use of recycled glass

For those of you that recycle their plastic bottles and aluminum cans, you know that a nice return will come back. But when you try to recycle glass bottles, they become a hassle. Most recycling centers recqure you to seperate the colors with the clears. All this hassle for a small return. Reason be is that recycling glass bottles to make new bottles is a harder process than it seems. Instead of recycling them into new bottles, a scientist in the UK has discovered a way to turn ground up glass into a special compound called "tobermorite" which sucks up toxic materials from groundwater. This is a more practical way to recycle bottles since colors would not matter.

Water-Energy Nexus... How Energy Drains Water Supplies

Though this article is not particularly related to product design it gives good insight on what we are not doing as a society to preserve water and the linkages to energy and our daily lives. This could be done in product design on a smaller scale I would think?

Too Slow Too Long

The US and UK are falling behind in sustainable business growth, Big business it seems are more concerned with paychecks rather than the environment. The small firms are unable to stay afloat with the economy at its present state and that is hurting the green industry

Fumi Masuda Interview

Interesting reading on an Interview with Japanese designer, Fumi Masuda, director of the EcoDesign Institute.

Dyson Unveils Hot Bladeless Heater That Doubles as a Cooling Fan in Summer

Dyson is unveiling his new bladeless fan that doubles as a heater in the winter and brings cool air in during the summer. It's new shape works so that it brings in heat in faster than conventional heaters which saves both money and energy.

The Designers Accord video series on Sustainable design.

Here is a link to the Designers Accord's Sustainability in Seven video series. It's a great place to hear top American and International ID folks and sustainability experts share their top seven tips in creating a sustainable design.

a bike commuter's dream

Imagine if your smartphone and bike lights were charged by the very power produced by your legs that keeps the bicycle moving. The Starke by Silverback is the first commuter bicycle that offers the capability to charge iPhones, GPS units, and bicycle headlights while on a ride. Now you don't have charge these techy gizmo's overnight anymore.

Secret Life of paper

While i was working on the product life cycle i came across to this website. Lot of useful information and interesting videos Here's the website http://www.secret-life.org/paper/, check it out.

wondering how products are made?

as i was looking around to find how pencils are made, i ran into a website that is dedicated to such search:

how products are made

this website is not complex, but it does give a rough idea of how some products are made, what materials are needed to make the products, and where do the materials come from. it also tells the reader what the process is to make a certain product.

although this might not get too detailed with the products, it does help narrow down the search if one is not certain where to start to find out what material is used in certain products.

Yves Behar interiew on sustainability

The designer behind the One Laptop Per Child Project, Yves Behar is truly a world-class designer, balancing aesthetics, function, and socially-based initiatives. Founder and principal designer of FuseProject, he also happens to be the Chair of the Industrial Design Department at San Francisco’s California College of the Arts.

Sustainable Design Startegies

This site is a tool to help and guide designers to create sustainable designs. The specific page that i linked has a pretty extensive check list (in the order you should complete) of parts of the process from business plans-material choices.

make water work harder for you.

Here is a pretty cool idea on sharing water for a sink and toilet. I know, sounds gross, right? The product is called the AQUS water reclamation system by Sloan. The water used to wash your hands goes through a "cleaning" unit that sends the water to the neighboring toilet. From there, the water finally makes it's departure out of the household, after cleaning both hands and toilet. The unit is sold commercially and is told to take about an hour for installation. It's not bad of a gig considering it replaces 65% of the potable water normally used in toilets with grey water that was on its way out anyways.

Flat Pack Outdoor Products

Here is a really cool outdoor product collection done by Shift_Design of Philadelphia. All of the products are manufactured with 20% recycled stainless steel and has a 100% recyclable end of product life. All of the products support low- to no-energy consumption lifestyle like their rain collectors, which can be hooked up to a lawn sprinkler system when the weather goes through a temporary dry-spell.

Pencil Tires

Pencils made from tires and the box from recyclable material.

Just Chilling

I think that this is something that is important to note, the idea that something doesn't necessarily have to scream green design to actually be sustainable. The use of materials dictates that more than just making something out of recycled paper pulp and slapping a green label on it.

Wrap it up!

This is a great way to look at sort of wasteful things such as gift wrap, and see how a system that is so adopted by many people can be changed to be more planet healthy

Samsung Evergreen receives sustainable industry certification

This is a very interesting article about the Samsung Evergreen phone and its sustainable achievements. The Samsung Evergreen is a great example of sustainable design in that it addresses all stakeholders needs. In the article it explains how it benefits the environment, the user, society (Veterans), and the client (AT&T).