Tag: Reuse

Agave waste from tequila production can be turned into cutlery. Once the gel from aloe vera plants has been made into moisturising lotion or cream for medical complaints, however, the rest often goes unused. Until now. It all began when a Texas-based research team noticed there were no pests near aloe vera farms. Intrigued, they began looking into the...

Sawdust can be 3D printed into kitchen utensils or cars parts. Now, a Canada-based research team has found a new use for the waste wood, combining it with a layer of tannins. These natural plant compounds, found in berries, tea and coffee, have anti-inflammatory properties and can even filter out UV rays. Aware that tannins also trigger multiple reactions...

Thanks to tequila, sustainable cutlery is a reality. Beer has already inspired researchers to develop alternatives to animal feed. Lately, a London-based startup has been working with brewers to develop a leather alternative using the spent grain from the brewing process. A combination of plant proteins and fibres and non-toxic chemicals creates a dark, biodegradable material with similar properties...

Powder made from pineapple waste is a superfood for fish. Forget salmon or beef tenderloin: pets can get all the nutrients they need from soldier fly larvae. And so can livestock. Up until now soldier fly larvae have been predominantly reared on starchy chicken feed. Still, thought a Danish research team, why not experiment with an organic waste product...

Peat fires can be quickly extinguished using natural surfactants. A magnetic sponge, meanwhile, could help clean oil slicks in the ocean. Recycled hair, it transpires, could do the job too. That’s thanks to the work of a female founder from Kiel, who knows how good hair is at absorbing oil and pollutants. Once her startup has collected hair waste...

Home food waste can be sent off to make chicken feed. But what about unused paint in cellars and garages? In the US alone, around 320 million litres of paint each year end up being incinerated, or worse, thrown in the garbage. Not good enough, thought founders of a Michigan-based startup and developed a new recycling process. Unused latex...

Insoles from mushroom spores keep our feet healthy in all weathers. A shoe made by a German startup, meanwhile, is destined to benefit both our budget and closet space. The foundation resembles a thick sneaker sock with a rubber base, the accompanying soles are interchangeable. Slip them off at home to create slippers, and back on to go about...

Balancing cloud usage can keep emissions and energy costs at bay. Meanwhile, an English startup is aiming to reduce both in public swimming pools by building data centres near the baths and using their thermal discharge to heat the water. All that’s required is a digital boiler. The startup bears the costs for the electricity as well as the...