A number of promising sustainable innovations are currently in the works with many creators, investors and the public hoping to see them come to fruition this year. From improvements involving electric cars, floating solar panels, to robots that will help reduce CO2 emissions, there are a number of exciting ideas and inventions on the way.
Electric vehicles have been around since their invention back in 1890. Their evolution has been steady but slow, specifically when it comes to being embraced by the everyday driver. But that might change in the near future as StoreDot, an Israeli based company, has been working on a battery that will charge and electric car to 100% in just 10 minutes. With that capability and a look at the more sleek designs being created by car makers, electric cars may grab the eye of the average commuter. Especially given the current gas prices. StoreDot’s invention couldn’t come fast enough for more who find themselves close to tears while at the pump.
Floating solar panels could alleviate the large amounts of land currently being sucked up by traditional solar panel farms. Coined Ocean Sun, the new Norwegian company, has invented and already implemented several farms of solar panels that floats on the surface of bodies of water. The fairly new concept will reportedly bring in an increased amount of energy when compared to land solar panels, according to Sociable.com.The floating panels can be utilized in calm bodies of water that include reservoirs and lakes. The company already has several farms in operation.
Delivery robots will most likely see an increase in use as the company Kiwibot plans to produce and employ hundreds of robots for food delivery to thousands of hungry customers. Instead of using gas guzzling, CO2 emitting delivery trucks or regular passenger vehicles to bring customers UberEats, per say, or DoorDash orders, robots will do the job. In turn the robots will reduce CO2 emissions. It is the perfect solutions within cities. Delivery may also be faster given the amount of traffic.
Flexible packaging is seeing an increase in interest by an array of businesses. Per Sustainability Magazine, businesses are opting out in the use of glass and plastic to instead utilize more flexible packaging. The packaging uses less water and energy to produce, producing less greenhouse gases to boot. Many businesses are using flexible packaging to ship and delivery foods and non food products to buyers.
Indoor Vertical Gardens are inside gardens that save on space and reduce greenhouse gases. The concept is catching on with many start ups in the works. A new company by the name of Plenty is doing just that. The company is now producing more than 700 acres of food in a 2-acre building. It is plants upon plants that are cared for with AI, indoor artificial lighting and plenty of water for the proper growth. Indoor vertical gardens are great for producing food all year long. Crops are also protected from bad weather, animals and insects that could ruin all the hard work of farmers.
