With the rise in awareness of Climate Change and pollution, younger generations across the globe feel that they must shoulder the burden of being the face of change as we march towards an uncertain future. However, despite the seemingly certain impending doom our world faces, young, innovative thinkers have taken many steps to fight for a sustainable future. Across the globe, innovators and scientists are cultivating change through unique ideas that may change their prospective energy for a greener tomorrow.
Making Art from Pollutants
Graviky Labs, an MIT spin-off, was established after co-founder Anirudh Sharma noticed black stains on his clothing from buses and factories around his city. This experience changed how Sharma saw the effects of air pollution and led to the invention of KAALINKâ˘. This a filtration device that can be attached to the exhaust pipes of cars, boats, buses, and chimneys to capture the harmful particulates called PM 2.5. Once contained, Graviky Labs takes this once life-threatening pollutant and turns it into ink that can be used for printing or creating art called Air Ink. This creative approach to dealing with air pollutants may be the start of a zero-pollution world.
Solar-Powered Fashion
In the past, “Luminescent Solar Concentrators” (LSC) were used to capture solar power for electricity generation but have been highly rigid and unmallible. Luciano Boesel has led a research team in the Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles. He has successfully created a polymer that can absorb solar energy while still being pliable and air-permeable, making it perfect for solar power-producing fashion. Amphiphilic Polymer Co-Networks are used in this groundbreaking material to create a solar-concentrating fabric that can be worn. This invention hopes to someday quell the never-ending demand for energy, especially for charging portable devices such as cell phones.
Ancient Rome meets Coral Reefs
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries estimates that nearly 40% of the world’s coral reefs have been damaged by climate change. Researchers at the University of Texas are working towards a solution to boost coastal resistance and support marine habitats with artificial reefs. Artificial reefs have previously been made from old tires, concrete, and other materials but have not succeeded as these resources break down in seawater and only contribute more to marine pollution. Inspired by ancient Roman construction materials’ resiliency in seawater, the Texan research team will aim to duplicate (with slight alterations) the concrete with 3D printing to rejuvenate dying coral reef ecosystems.
These are just some of the inventions established in the last decade that are introducing a new wave of eco-sustainability. While the future may seem bleak at times, it is crucial to step back and marvel at how individuals are coming together to build a greener future. The door to our future may seem locked, but the key is in our hands. How will you take steps towards unlocking the door?