In the picturesque landscape of Bali, the harsh reality of a plastic pollution crisis lurks beneath the surface, overshadowing its natural beauty. With a staggering 1.6 million tons of waste generated annually on the island and the additional burden of debris from neighboring shores, the ecological balance of its waters is under threat. However, amidst this environmental challenge, a beacon of hope emerges as two dedicated organizations join forces to tackle the issue head-on. Through the collaborative efforts of Sungai Watch and Sungai Design, Bali’s waterways are undergoing a transformative journey from polluted to pristine, with reclaimed plastic finding new life as sleek and contemporary loungers.
Sungai Watch initiates the cleanup process by strategically identifying and targeting rivers plagued by pollution, and deploying innovative barriers to capture and contain the waste. Since its inception in 2020, the nonprofit has made significant strides, extracting a remarkable 1,718,562 kilograms of plastic from Bali’s watercourses. Once retrieved and meticulously sorted, the plastic undergoes a metamorphosis at the hands of Sungai Design. Through a sophisticated process of shredding and pressing, the material is molded into large panels, which are then transformed by CNC machines into stylish and functional chairs. Not only do these loungers epitomize modern design, but they also embody sustainability, with each chair repurposing an estimated 30 kilograms of plastic, offering a tangible solution to Bali’s environmental crisis. For those intrigued by the journey from pollution to product, a delve into Sungai Design’s YouTube channel provides an illuminating insight, while the opportunity to support the cause and own a piece of eco-conscious furniture is just a click away.
In recent years, the discourse surrounding sustainable food sources has prominently featured insect protein as a viable alternative, sparking curiosity and skepticism alike. However, a pioneering startup in the UK, Entocycle, has risen to the challenge by ingeniously integrating insects into the food supply chain. Their innovative approach not only mitigates emissions but also addresses concerns regarding digestibility. Entocycle, now in its ninth year of operation, leverages the nutritive potential of black soldier fly larvae to substitute traditional animal feeds like corn, soy, and fishmeal for poultry and swine.
The decision to focus on poultry and swine, both monogastric animals, aligns with Entocycle’s vision to emulate natural dietary patterns. While these animals have historically been fed agricultural products, the startup acknowledges the evolutionary significance of insects in their diets. At its development facility in London, Entocycle meticulously cultivates black soldier fly larvae, utilizing their voracious appetite for organic waste to convert it into high-quality protein feed. Beyond environmental benefits, this approach holds promise for waste management, offering a sustainable solution to food scraps destined for landfills. Entocycle’s founder, Keiran Whitaker, champions the versatility and ubiquity of black soldier flies, highlighting their capacity to revolutionize animal agriculture while addressing pressing environmental concerns. Moreover, scientific research underscores the manifold advantages of incorporating insect protein into animal diets, from enhancing growth performance to improving meat quality, thus reinforcing the viability of this innovative solution in the quest for sustainable food production.
In the lush and remote reaches of India’s Western Ghats, biologist Ishan Agarwal stumbled upon a mesmerizing sight: a stunning blue and yellow gecko that seemed to dance amidst the foliage. Captivated by its beauty, Agarwal immediately thought of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic painting, Starry Night. Thus, he decided to pay homage to Continue reading “Biologist Finds Beautiful Blue Gecko, Named the New Species ‘Vangoghgi’” »
The Luffa Stoolita project, born from the innovative minds of master’s students at Columbia University GSAPP, Justin Wan, Paul Edward Liu, and Tim Ting-Hao Chen, transcends traditional furniture design paradigms by repurposing natural waste materials. By ingeniously utilizing spent shower sponges and coffee grounds, the team explores the potential of plant-based by-products, challenging the norm in sustainable furniture creation. With a keen eye on environmental responsibility, Continue reading “From Chow to Chair: Upcycled Stools Made From Spent Shower Sponges and Coffee Grounds” »
Liz Gilson embodies a lifestyle that defies conventional notions of space and comfort. From her early days in a stately home in England to her adventures sailing around Australia and living in a van, Gilson has always sought out snug quarters with unparalleled enthusiasm. Her latest abode, a former barbershop in Glencoe Mill Village, Continue reading “For $367 a Month, She Has 345 Square Feet, a Hot Tub and a River” »
Tanya Nestoruk, 31, and Arya Touserkani, 38, embarked on an extraordinary journey of downsizing from a conventional four-bedroom house in Canada to transforming a school bus into a luxurious tiny home. Driven by a desire for simplicity, adventure, and environmental consciousness, the couple opted for a mobile lifestyle that allowed them the freedom to explore new places with minimal impact. Nestoruk, an environmental educator, and Continue reading “Couple Spent $30,000 to Turn a School Bus Into a Tiny Home” »
Cargo, the ingenious space-saving house born from a humble shipping container, epitomizes the marriage of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Crafted by the Portuguese studio Madeiguincho, this tiny abode seamlessly transforms an ordinary metal box into an inviting home. Despite its modest dimensions of 6 x 2.5 meters, Cargo boasts a rooftop terrace and a thoughtfully designed interior that harmonizes with its surroundings. The exterior, clad in wood and punctuated by operable Continue reading “This Ingenious Space-Saving House was Once a Humble Shipping Container” »
The Chicorée tiny home, crafted by the renowned French firm Baluchon, stands as a testament to both innovation and comfort within a compact space. Spanning a mere 20 feet in length, this diminutive abode showcases a flexible interior layout that ingeniously accommodates sleeping arrangements for up to five individuals, alongside two distinct workspaces. Nestled upon a double-axle trailer, the Chicorée boasts a charming exterior facade embellished with cedar siding and crowned by an aluminum roof, creating an inviting visual allure. Within its walls, a blend of linen, cotton, and hemp insulation ensures a cozy atmosphere, complemented by a subtle spruce finish that exudes warmth throughout the interior. Powered by a standard RV-style hookup, the Chicorée greets visitors with a light-filled living room, featuring expansive glazing that floods the space with natural light. Here, a generously sized sofa bed beckons guests to unwind, while an adjacent electric radiator and shelving add to the room’s functionality.
Adjacent to the living area, the kitchen of the Chicorée offers a practical yet minimalist design, foregoing conventional appliances like a refrigerator and oven to maximize available space. Instead, a spacious table/desk area takes center stage, providing a versatile space for both dining and remote work. Equipped with ample storage nooks, cabinetry, a sink, and a propane-powered stove, the kitchen seamlessly transitions into the adjoining bathroom, complete with a shower, toilet, and additional storage. Ascending an open staircase crafted from oak and steel, occupants are welcomed to the upper level, characterized by a cozy sleeping area featuring a double bed, alongside a smaller sleeping space and play area for a child. Moreover, a second workspace nestled above the living area offers a unique vantage point for work, with a small oak desk providing a comfortable perch for extended periods of productivity. With its thoughtful design and plush cabin-like interiors, the Chicorée tiny home exemplifies a harmonious blend of functionality and charm within a compact footprint.
Twelve-year-old Rowan Brannan’s routine walk with his mother and their dog in a Sussex field turned into an extraordinary adventure when he stumbled upon what appeared to be a mere piece of discarded strapping. Little did they know, the seemingly ordinary find was actually a remarkable relic from the past—a gold Continue reading “Boy Finds Rare Gold Roman Bracelet in a Field Where it Was Lying for 2,000 Years” »
