Our fellows in the first world often come to visit and give us their well intentioned but often very problematic “solutions”. We thought, why don’t we pay back? Dx1W is a competition for designers, artists, scientists, makers and thinkers in developing countries to provide solutions for First World problems. Design for the first world. Via Wired.
A Low-tech Trick to Eliminate Standby Power Consumption
June 21, 2009 by Filed Under: Energy, Gadgets, Low-tech solutions, Random, Standby power
Standby power use is the electricity consumed by appliances and other equipment when they are switched off or not performing their primary purpose. It is responsible for 3 to 12 percent of residential electricity use worldwide (source, pdf). Freelance journalist Robert Buzink has a low-tech solution for this – all you need is a pair of scissors and a screwdriver. The text is in Dutch but the pictures speak for themselves.
Smarter Technology
June 20, 2009 by Filed Under: Low-tech solutions, Technology
“No, I’m not some old hippie or off-the grid survivalist. I’m a big city guy who really likes modern technology, especially computers. But when does the heavy application of technology become overkill? The more I started poking around, the more I found others thinking along the same lines. It’s too early to pronounce this a trend, but there are budding signs.” Read 1 / 2 / 3. Sponsored by IBM !
The Flying Oven
May 11, 2009 by Filed Under: Low-tech solutions, Solar
That is how they call it, and they ask me what I think of it. Honestly, I have no clue.
“This research project proves a new and novel method of winter solar heat gathering. Based on February to December 2008 UK tests, a solarsphere of this type can produce enough heat to make a well insulated house self sufficient in both space heating and hot water.”
Kicking the habit: the Oil Depletion Protocol
May 3, 2009 by Filed Under: Energy, Low-tech solutions
“By agreeing to reduce oil imports and exports by a specified amount each year, about 2.6 percent, signatory nations will help mitigate the negative consequences of an over-reliance on cheap oil and help prepare for a global decline in the world’s oil supply.
The premise of the Protocol is inherently straightforward: oil importing nations would agree to reduce their imports by an agreed-upon yearly percentage, referred to as the World Oil Depletion Rate, while oil producing nations would agree to reduce their rate of production by their National Depletion Rate.
This simple and sensible formula will produce, in effect, a global rationing system. If the entire world adopted the Protocol, global consumption of oil would decline by almost 3 percent per annum, thus stabilizing prices, preserving the resource base, and reducing competition for remaining supplies.”
Stop recycling. Start repairing.
April 3, 2009 by Filed Under: Low-tech solutions, Recycling, Repair
