Phil Pauley, founder of the design agency PAULEY, has a new concept for renewable power generation, the Marine Solar Cell. Marine Solar Cells (MSC) are hybrid solar and wave energy generators with the unique ability to generate photovoltaic solar power and wave energy from a single off shore system.
The solar-wave units – which look a little like bobbing jellyfish – would capture wave energy through natural buoyancy displacement and solar energy through photovoltaic cells – with the added bonus of capturing reflected light off the ocean’s surface that could increase the device’s potential solar capture output by an estimated 20%.
This design contrasts with conventional solar power installations and wave power designs which only harvest one form of power. Pauley envisions the installation of hundreds of low-cost solar-wave units in off-shore floating power arrays, generating sustainable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and creating a new, green economic engine.
Related: alternative energy products on The Alternative Consumer
via: good clean tech
As any seeker of a more sustainable lifestyle knows, you can create great new fashionable looks with found or pre-loved materials. Our latest survey of the landscape reveals a few new standouts to add a little edge to your new year:
(above) U.K. jewelry designer Poppie Jasper creates beautiful jewelry – in this case the lovely Eirwen charm necklace – from the recycled, discarded, broken loveliness she discovers in her travels. The Eirwen charm necklace is a collection of talismans that include a large spike of recycled red coral, a white baroque pearl, an antique silver crucifix charm, a fine silver Crusaders’ Cross and a tiny silver and resin Catholic relic that finishes the cluster. All of the charms float freely along a hand-linked Labrodorite chain.
featured @ the Poppie Jasper Cargoh shop.
(above) You can find upcycled bags, bags and more bags at Ridgewood, Long Island, New York-based, Vaya Bags – handbags, messenger bags, laptop bags, backpacks, cell phone / iPod pouches and a few other accessories – all created from recycled bike tubes, sailboat awnings, old vinyl banners and other reclaimed materials. Founder Tianna Meilinger uses no new materials to hand manufacture these stylish bags. As a former bike messenger, she designs each stylish bag with the biker in mind: utilizing waterproof material inside and out; easy access pockets; comfy shoulder straps with adjustments and releases; extra padding; and available with custom sizing and colorways. Line is affordable, too. A great way to cart stuff around, and keep perfectly good materials out of our landfills and never-ending wastestream.
(above) Totally kooky, we know … really had to dig to uncover this homage to prehistoric times – a Green Upcycled Dino Hoodie, resplendant in spikes, tails and all … one of a kind, natch $55 @ KendallMade on Etsy.
(above) From the eco-fashion style setters at Nau, this cute down blazer will keep you both warm and fashion-forward. The stylish little jacket is ultra-light, super toasty (850-fill goose down), water-resistant and, last but not least – the shell is made of 100% recycled poly. now on sale for $150.50 @ nau.com
(above) Add a touch of international flair to your body adornment while supporting Fair Trade handmade jewelry by artisans all over the world – gaiam.com
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