Technofix

“Why has energy conservation through lifestyle change – arguably the single easiest and most cost effective option we have on hand in dealing with the end of the age of cheap oil – been entirely off the political and cultural radar screens since the end of the 1970s, so much so that most of those who have noticed that we’re running out of cheap abundant energy have framed the issue entirely in terms of finding some technical gimmick that will let us keep on living the way we live now?” Read.

Stop recycling. Start repairing.

The repair manifesto

Here. (Hat tip to Sally)

A rising tide of ocean debris

Ocean debris

The Marine Debris Index presents state-by-state and country-by-country data about marine debris collected and tallied by volunteers around the world on one day each September at the International Coastal Cleanup. Almost 7 million pounds of trash (3 million kg) was collected. (via). Related: fishing for litter – the dustcarts of the sea.

The battle of the bowlturners

Man versus machine (video). Traditional bowl turner Robin Wood on his foot powered lathe races a friend on an electric lathe to see who can make a bowl fastest. Related: the museum of old techniques.

Tigchel heaters and finovens

Tigchel heater

Picture gallery. Previously: Sunbathing in the living room: oven stoves and heat walls.


The electric man & the electric horse

The electric horse

Here. More Victorian Era robots. Thanks, David.