Design Collective EcoChallengers

I learned that buoys are likely the most promising wave energy strategy, with the Australian buoys off-shore from a military base as a good example.  I though it clever that they are placed below the surface to avoid the brunt of the waves and storms.  These 3 experimental buoys are 35' in diameter; 65' wide buoys may be beta tested next. I...

Smaller plates make you think about your choices and help with weight control.  I also try (and have my kids try) to load up on veggies first and drink water before and during a meal to help fill up on lower/no calorie food and drink. We also take a pause before thinking about getting more and share a dessert if we are out at a restaurant and...

I was raised by two parents that grew up in the Great Depression; food waste in particular was frowned upon and avoided.  We cleaned our plates, ate leftovers, and composted.  I've brought these actions forward in raising my own kids, and, we try to make it fun by being inventive in the kitchen. 

I am thinking bricks and ceramics would have a large carbon footprint, due to the high heat (kiln) manufacturing process and transportation, but perhaps a lifespan analysis would show that this balances out as these materials can last for hundreds or even thousands of years.  A material lifespan carbon footprint search would likely yield more...

Women in other countries are often limited in their opportunities and are regulated to domestic jobs despite their skill or education level. We need to level the playing field to create more opportunities for women 

Encourage the use of technology to conduct meetings whenever possible instead of using resources by driving to meetings.

I enjoy walking when time isn’t an issue and weather permits. It’s preferable to being stuck in a car! Not a fan of city biking 

Recycling of electronics seems to be the most difficult.  i think we could all hold on to our mobile phones and other gadgets longer and not feel compelled to run out and get upgraded gear.  I've also recently advocated for Repair legislation, to make it easier to have electronics able to be repaired rather than just replaced.  I think/hope we...

I think we are fairly well-equipped with our senses of smell, taste, and sight to determine whether food is safe to eat. We have evolved over many generations developing these senses and only recently have depended more on labeling.  I think labeling plays a part in a healthy food system, but should be balanced with our own senses, including...

I think the idea of a "meat and potatoes" meal was promoted as a symbol of prosperity and also politicized as "All American." Also, many of our high-end restaurants are based on steak houses (e.g., Ruth's Chris), but this trend seems to be shifting. Our government has often promoted diets that are not as healthy as they...