These innovations can benefit people who want to reduce their carbon footprint, save money on utility bills, or protect the environment in other ways. While some of these innovations may seem far-fetched, they're already being tested by forward-thinking companies and organizations. Some are even already available on the market.
Here are just some of the most experimental innovations for a greener world.
Solar Roads
The concept of solar roads, which has been around since the 1970s, was recently picked up by the French construction company Colas. They are currently building 500 meters of solar road panels in Normandy, France, to test this innovative idea.
The panels are embedded with photovoltaic cells that can generate electricity and heat during the day. The electricity is used to power street lights at night and pre-heat local buildings in the morning.
The panels are designed to be seen as part of the landscape rather than an eyesore on an otherwise barren terrain. They also provide more space on the ground for solar panels because they don't need to hang off roofs or poles as traditional solar panels do.
3D Batteries Made From Wood
Developed by Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology researchers, the 3D battery is made of biodegradable cellulose paper and layered with zinc. The process starts by soaking wood in dilute sulfuric acid to break down the lignin, leaving behind cellulose fibers that can be used as ink.
The scientists then mix zinc oxide nanoparticles, dry them out and compress them into layers. When soaked in water, zinc ions are released, producing electricity through a chemical reaction with dissolved oxygen.
This battery is more environmentally friendly because it uses renewable resources such as wood pulp instead of heavy metals like cobalt and nickel found in traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Recycled Plastic Fishing Nets Used as Roads
The fishing nets were cut into wide strips, rolled up, and laid on the sand to form a pattern. They were then hammered into place with wooden stakes, which were then buried in the sand.
The holes are filled with sand and topped off with crushed seashells. This design promotes sustainability by using locally available materials and an old resource that would otherwise be thrown away.
The fishing nets used to create these roads have many advantages over traditional asphalt roads: they are cheaper, have better insulation properties, last longer due to their flexibility, and can be easily repaired if damaged by storms or other natural disasters.
Floating Farms
The next generation of urban farming is set to take shape on the water. In China, two companies plan to build floating farms producing vegetables and seafood.
The goal is to help alleviate food shortages in China's cities and provide jobs in rural areas where employment opportunities are scarce. It also could reduce pollution by using less land and water resources than traditional agriculture.
As part of China's Belt and Road initiative, these projects have been underway for about three years but could be delayed by trade disputes between Beijing and Washington over tariffs on Chinese goods.
Materials Made From Crop Waste and Human Poop
One of the most innovative resources to come from biowaste is called biochar. Biochar is made from crop waste, like corn stalks and peanut shells, heated in a low-oxygen environment to create an energy-rich material.
Biochars can be used as soil conditioners or even in cooking. They have been found to have high levels of calcium and magnesium, which make them perfect nutrient supplements for plants.
Another resource created by biological waste is human poop! Yes, you read that right - poop. Human feces provide several benefits when it comes to producing clean water. For example, bioslurry toilets turn raw sewage into compost through bacterial digestion.
The problem with bioslurry bathrooms is that they require lots of water and electricity to function correctly. And while wastewater treatment plants release cleaned wastewater back into the environment (and this can help produce more food), some people are worried about bacteria reentering the ecosystem if untreated sewage leaks out during storms or heavy rains.
Some scientists believe there may be another way: using chemicals such as chlorine to treat effluent at these treatment plants before releasing it back into natural waterways.
Floating Eco-City Could Help Solve Overpopulation Problem
We've all seen how crowded and polluted cities can be. But what if there was a way to alleviate this problem? A new eco-city being built in Singapore could be that solution. The project is called The Sustainable Floating City.
It will house up to 100,000 residents, and it's designed to be completely self-sustaining. The city will have its own energy source, food production, and waste disposal system, among other features.
What's more, the city will also be mobile in case disaster strikes!
