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Graphene was originally synthesised and isolated in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov and since then much research as been done exploring its properties and possible uses as the world gears up for a Graphene led revolution. Other material related to Graphene have also been created in the lab such as Fullerene which is a small piece of Graphene rolled into a soccer ball shape and nanotubes with is a small piece of graphene rolled into a tube. Graphene has many potential uses such as Graphene enhanced materials such as stronger concrete, electronics (sensors, flexible displays and solar panels) and higher capacity and faster charging batteries. One exciting possible use for Graphene is for water filtration. A filter made of Graphene can turn salt water to drinking water. A sieve created by a UK-based team of researchers uses a Graphene oxide membrane to convert salt water into drinking water. It is gravity fed and uses no electricity, potentially replacing the need for other methods such as reverse … Read more

Although the first Silicone Rubbers were invented in the 1940’s it wasn’t until recently that a Food Grade Silicone was first manufactured and approved by the FDA and the TGA suitable for use with kitchenware. Since then many products have hit the market incorporating Food Grade Silicone in their design. Although silicone rubber does not pose a health risk when used with kitchenware as it very heat resistant and non reactive with other chemicals. Can it be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way? An argument can be made that Silicone rubber is environmentally friendly to a certain extent as it can be cleaned and used again and again and so is a viable alternative to the single use plastics that make up a large percentage of plastic pollution. Being a synthetic rubber Silicone Rubber can not be broken down by bacteria and so does not biodegrade. This make disposal of silicone rubber problematic despite being promoted as an eco … Read more

The Ocean Cleanup is a nonprofit environmental organization based in the Netherlands founded by Boyan Slat. They have set themselves the monumental task of developing technology to extract plastic pollution from the oceans and intercept it in rivers before it can reach the ocean. Then recycle the plastic to create a range of products to help fund the project. The system Slat has designed passive floating structures that are set adrift in the ocean gyres, where marine debris tends to accumulate. These structures act as a containment boom. The boom drifts with the wind, waves and ocean currents to capture marine debris. A solid screen underneath the floating pipe catches subsurface debris. The system requires no external energy.

In the throw away world in which we live around 40% of plastics we consume are single use. Much it it ending up in landfill, rivers and the oceans despite the efforts by local governments to recycle. If fact a massive 91% of plastic waste is not recycled. The worst offenders being things like Plastic Straws, Coffee Cups and Lids, Plastic Cutlery, Plastic Containers and plates. There are many alternatives both traditional and new that products can be constructed from other than plastic without necessarily increasing the price by a large amount. Even in cases where there is an increase in the cost of the product there is also often a corresponding increase in the durability and reusability of the product. Stainless Steel – Strong and durable and easy to reuse and recycle. Glass – While not biodegradable, glass is inert, inexpensive and infinitely recyclable. Natural Fibre Cloth – Natural cloth can replace plastic bags. Sustainable clothing made from organic cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo. Wood – … Read more