The article discusses On’s innovative Cloudboom Strike LS running shoe, which features a robotic spray-on upper created using LightSpray technology. This process results in a seamless, lightweight design that reduces carbon emissions by 75% compared to traditional methods. The shoe debuted at the 2024 Paris Olympics, worn by elite runner Hellen Obiri. It became available to consumers in November 2024, priced at $330.
Category: Green
Deacidifying rivers with limestone to capture carbon
The article explores the potential of using oceans and rivers for carbon removal, highlighting innovative approaches like restoring ecosystems and using natural processes to capture carbon, while addressing the challenges and controversies surrounding these methods.
NYT series on the causes and consequences of disappearing water
New York Times: Uncharted Waters
A California case study shows how charging farmers for groundwater usage in the Pajaro Valley has helped reduce groundwater extraction by 20%, making it a model for managing water in drought-prone areas, though replicating it nationwide could increase food prices and affect the production of low-cost crops.
Hydroelectric dams contribute over 1 percent of greenhouse gas emissions – about as much as all of Canada
The Uniform Project
Sheena Matheiken has “pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion” (she has 7 identical dresses for each day of the week). The dress is personally designed to be worn in three ways and the outfits are completed with second-hand accessories. More than a statement on sustainability, The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India.
Happy 2009
Happy New Year!
— From me and some energy company you’ve probably never heard of.
click if you are interested in seeing how this video was made
Thinking about Washing Machines
Washing machines and dryers have seen little innovation since their introduction in the early 1900’s. As devices that use both electrical energy and water and are typically present in most homes, washing machines are in need of reinvention. This is why I am surprised that recent developments in washing machine technology have not received more press given the rise in environmentally-friendly writing and discussion.
Xeros Ltd. is a company spun off of Leeds University research that has developed a washing machine that uses 2% of the energy and water that conventional washing machines use. The process leaves the clothing practically dry after washing so dryer’s are no longer necessary. And the most impressive fact about the technology is that it is ready to debut in 2009 (pretty soon compared to other promised energy technologies).
Another washing machine concept comes from Harsha Vardan, an industrial design student in India, whose compact pressure washer is perfect for small space living.
These two ideas are beginning to look very promising. Given that Xeros Ltd. has secured a relatively modest investment of around $1 million, if you got some money sitting around, they would probably appreciate it.
At least it looks to be more worthwhile than investing in this which did this (SpaceX).