Algae Batteries
Algae is considered the next big break through in bio fuels. That slimy, slippery stuff might also be a key to paper thin biodegradable batteries according to researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden. These batteries could soon compete with commercial lithium-ion batteries.
According to Inhabitat.:"Conducting polymers have long been thought to be a solution in developing lightweight, flexible, nonmetal batteries. But up until now, these polymers have had been impractical because regular paper can’t hold enough of them work effectively. Now Uppsala researcher Maria Stromme and her team has found that the smelly
algae species that clumps on beaches, known as
Cladophora, can also be used to make a type of cellulose that has 100 times the surface area of cellulose found in paper. That means it can hold enough conducting polymers to effectively recharge and hold electricity for long amounts of time."
"The algae-based paper sheet batteries hold up to 200% more charge than regular paper-based cellulose batteries, and they can recharge in as little as 11 seconds. Eventually, they could be used in any application that requires flexible electronics — for example, clothing or packaging that lights up. Perhaps most importantly, the algae batteries could one day cut down on e-waste from conventional metal batteries."
Labels: Aquaculture, News, Resourcful
posted by MILO @ 6:22 AM
International Day of Surfing
Ever need an excuse to go surfing? Well on June 2oth you finally have one. International surfing day created by Surfing Magazine, this unofficial, official surfers holiday gives us to promote and celebrate the sport while bringing awareness to the state of our oceans and beaches.The goal is simple, take the day, or at least part of the day to go down to your favorite surf spot to catch a wave or two, or watch your your favorite agro local grom snake you, whatever it takes. While your at it take some time to clean up your local beach. Surfrider Foundation will be organizing a hand full of official beach cleanups, but that shouldn’t stop you from fixing up your own stretch of sand.Join ISD at
http://www.surfingmagazine.com/isd/
Labels: activism, Aquaculture, beaches, News, surfing
posted by MILO @ 3:38 PM
Natural Swimming Pools
This cool looking swimming pool isn't your typical chlorine-filled dipping tub. It actually is a pool that relies on plants to filter the water. The cool thing is that you do not swim or walk amongst the plants, they are in a separate area. Any one can update their current pool to a natural pool with a few design changes.
Natural Ponds are usually a bit larger than a normal pool to accommodate the plants, rocks and natural vegetation that make up the filter zone. This is separate from the designated swimming area. Once water filters through he plant zone, it is then pumped through a UV filter to ensure maximum cleanliness and aeration.
Whereas a conventional pool is little more than a concrete tub, a natural pond is a landscape centerpiece that will enhance the value of your home and quality of your life. What could be more beautiful than that?
source and image courtesy of inhabitatLabels: Aquaculture, Resourcful
posted by MILO @ 6:31 AM
Farm Fountain : Art / Aquaculture
We found yet another great piece that was worth mentioning on
INHABITAT, these guys have great articles worth checking out. This particular article was written by
Moe Beitiks on Aquaculture. It was so cool that we thought we would re-post it.
"Who doesn’t love a nice water installation? The bubbling and gurgling of things like fountains has an undeniably relaxing effect - and yet, there’s the nagging guilt that comes from running a pump for the sheer purpose of recirculating water. How much power does it draw? What’s the carbon footprint of your meditative state? What has that water feature done for you, aside from making that ridiculous noise? No so relaxing anymore. Fortunately, artists
Amy Youngs and
Ken Rinaldo have devised a way to create guilt-free water pleasantries while producing food and providing oxygen. The
Farm Fountain, which uses
aquaponics to fertilize plants with the waste produced by fish, is a bubbly oasis of greenery and aquaculture.
The concept of aquaculture involves delivering nutrients to plants in a soilless medium with water. In this case, the plants are growing in clay balls encased in reused 2-liter soda bottles. At the base of the Farm Fountain is a pond containing koi and
tilapia, the latter being an edible fish acclimated to pond culture.
Waste water from the pond, sullied by the fish, is circulated up to the topmost planters then cascades down through the rest. The plants, which include basil, baby watercress, tomato and baby lettuce in this prototype, filter the nutrients from the water and return it to the pond ready for the fish. One system’s waste is another system’s food.
The plants are lit with LED growing lights in bases dissected from an inexpensive floor lamp. The artists provide step-by-step
how-to instructions for anyone interested in making their own Farm Fountain, and growing own own food in peace.
The Farm Fountain was just awarded a Green Leaf Award (2008) from the Natural World Museum."
Wow what a great idea, i can't wait to get one started. You can check out the original article at
Inhabitat.
Labels: Aquaculture, Art, News, Resourcful
posted by MILO @ 8:37 AM
Algae is considered the next big break through in bio fuels. That slimy, slippery stuff might also be a key to paper thin biodegradable batteries according to researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden. These batteries could soon compete with commercial lithium-ion batteries.
