A 3D-printed “aesthetically pleasing” The Throne portable toilet made from plastic waste in the countryside. Courtesy of Dezeen.


Learn about the latest and coolest products and innovations that may revolutionize the world of sustainability. 

By Seth Ellison

Want to take a glimpse into the future of sustainability? Picture futuristic smog-capturing towers that run on wind. Imagine buildings completely constructed from discarded organic garbage, manipulated to look exactly like wood. These products of the future may sound like they’re straight out of a science fiction movie, but they’re actually in development right now, and could soon be a reality — if not already on the market. In this article, we’ll explore some of the newest sustainable innovations that are making a difference and could transform how we live.

1. Smog Free Towers

A Smog Free Tower, described as a “giant vacuum cleaner,” sucking up air pollution. Courtesy of Seventeen Goals Magazine.

Air pollution is a major problem in many urban areas around the world, causing a variety of health problems and contributing to climate change. Studio Roosegaarde, a Dutch design firm, has developed a unique solution to this problem with its Smog Free Towers, designed to clean the air by capturing particulate matter and other pollutants. They work by using positive ionization technology to attract and capture the pollution particles, which are then stored inside the towers. The towers are powered by wind energy and can clean up to 30,000 cubic meters of air per hour. The Smog Free Towers have been installed in various cities around the world, including Beijing, Rotterdam and Krakow. 

2. Water Bottle Designs Inspired by Birds 

An extremely magnified view of a sandgrouse feather. Courtesy of Smart Water Magazine.

The sandgrouse bird, native to arid regions of Africa and Asia, has evolved with a unique adaptation for surviving its harsh environment. The bird’s feathers have evolved to be highly absorbent so that when it flies they pick up moisture, after which it carries the water back to the nest where it hydrates its young chicks. Scientists and engineers have studied this adaptation — and they have used it as inspiration for a new type of water bottle that is made up of a series of interlocking channels that allow water to be transported without any spillage. The channels are made from a porous material that is similar to the feathers of the sandgrouse bird. When water is poured into the bottle, it is quickly absorbed by the channels, which then transport the water to the top of the bottle, where it can be easily accessed.

3. 3D-Printed Portable Toilet 

A 3D-printed “aesthetically pleasing” The Throne portable toilet made from plastic waste in the countryside. Courtesy of Dezeen.

One of the latest innovations in the toilet industry is the 3D-printed portable toilet, The Throne, created by Nagami, a Spanish furniture design company. This product is manufactured by using a 3D printing technique, which allows for both more flexibility in design and the use of more sustainable materials. The Throne is made up of lightweight and durable material, and it also can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it easy to transport it to different locations without any hassle. Additionally, The Throne is equipped with a waste management system that properly disposes of waste without harming the environment and turns the waste into fertilizer.

4. Rice Hull as a Wood Alternative 

Rice hull serves as an alternative wood option, possessing the look and feel of actual wood. Courtesy of Fine Homebuilding.

Any K&B pro knows that wood is a traditional and widely used material for construction, furniture, packaging and more. However, with the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, an alternative to wood has been developed made completely from rice hulls, the outermost layer of rice grains that is a waste product of rice milling. This new building material has very similar properties to wood, but it is more sustainable and cost-effective, not to mention just as durable and almost identical in appearance. Rice hull is also lightweight and has low moisture absorption — and it is high in silica, making it an excellent material for a variety of applications. 

5. EcoATM For Old Devices

EcoATM machine that collects old devices for cash. Courtesy of Salisbury Post.

In a world where electronic devices become obsolete in a matter of years and often end up in landfills, finding a responsible way to dispose of them can be challenging. Fortunately, companies like EcoATM are stepping in to offer a convenient and sustainable solution by creating a network of kiosks where people can deposit their old electronics for recycling. The process is simple: you bring your device to an EcoATM kiosk, where it is inspected and evaluated. The kiosk uses advanced technology to determine the value of the device based on its condition and then offers you a price for it. If you accept the offer, the device is collected and sent to an environmentally responsible recycling facility.