Erica Smith

Disney Research Zurich and Swiss technology institute ETH have developed a four-wheeled robot with integrated propellers that allow it to scale vertical surfaces (+ movie). (more…)

The Hydro Hammock, a versatile hot tub-hammock combo, just might be the most relaxing new invention we’ve ever seen. Proud inventor Benjamin H. Frederick even created a portable heating system that will heat whatever water you use in your Hydro Hammock, be it lake, river or sea water.

The hammock itself is made of resilient and waterproof tensile fabric that, according to the video on its Kickstarter campaign, can hold 2 adults and about 50 gallons of water. The heating system currently runs on natural gas, though there are plans to expand to battery and solar electricity as well. A double-walled model lets you insulate it and use it during the winter, too!

More info: hydrohammock.com | Kickstarter (h/t: gizmodo)

“Inspired by the past to enable living in the future,” is the mantra of The Tomorrow Collective. Masters students from Lund University’s School of Industrial Design have each created an object that is sustainable and also benefits your everyday life.

While people have become even more attached to certain objects in their life, they’ve also become extremely distanced from where + how most objects are made and what happens to them when they’re discarded. Being so distant from the lifecycle of an object blinds the user from seeing the impact of all the excess on our economy. The Tomorrow Collective aims to change that by creating objects that help address the needs we have in life, while also leaving less of an impact on the environment.

The Toothpaster eradicates marketing material from toothpaste and gives the user all the ingredients to mix together an efficient toothpaste.

Meant to simplify your life and reduce electronic use, The Wooden Iron smooths garments quickly and efficiently with your hand and a few tools.

›M‹ for Milk aims to reduce dairy production waste by condensing milk transportation products into only what is needed.

Greenhouse window is a window that also acts as a greenhouse, making it easy for city dwellers to grow their own herbs.

Cleaning Kit removes harsh chemicals from modern day cleaning and allows you to clean with basic kitchen ingredients, including bicarbonate, vinegar, lemon, and water.

Eco-Carrying eliminates the need for plastic bags and instead, uses sustainable wooden furniture for transporting groceries.

Green Royal Express is a wood express box that can be used multiple times in many different ways.

Herbarium is a modern day basket – a gardening tool that makes it easy to pick, separate, and transport wild herbs home.

Terra is an alternate to a electricity consuming fridge, and keeps food fresh by evaporation. With a water-filled layer between two clay pots, the inner pot stays cool and can store certain vegetables and dairy products.

Nest is a clay container for storing bread that keeps in moist and fresh.

KREIS – LAUF are stylish sneakers that are long lasting and well-priced, and are made from organic materials (leather, textiles, and cork) and are material-efficient and easy to fix.

FLAVOR OF TIME makes it easy and efficient to dry food, helping it stay fresh longer.

Little Thumb helps you use every little bit of the bread, by storing any crumbs discarded in a jar to use for later.

Lunch Box System is a durable way to carry delicate food, without using any plastic.

Make Make puts makeup into your own hands, and is a set of tools that allows the user to creative and make their own cosmetics.

Create your own, natural cologne with Nära, a micro-laboratory that makes user-crafted perfume oil with natural ingredients.

For adults and young ones alike, Natural Paint Kit helps users create paint out of soil, clay, or even softer stones.

Use any plants to create natural oils with Oil Production, bringing the process closer to the plants the oils come from.

Precious Grounds, i.e. coffee grounds, are seen as not waste, but material that can also be used for cleaning, soil, and even beauty products.

The Burks replaces wasteful food storage containers with eye-pleasing and sustainable wood.

Make your own vinegar with the Vinegar Making Kit, which encourages the user to explore the technique of creating vinegar.

Wash Press allows one to hand wash and dry delicate clothing without the back breaking part.

Made by hand of natural ingredients, The YOYO basket provides a comfortable home for a child that will last generations.

Lastly, the Pine Cone Humidifier increases moisture in a room without using electricity, and when essential oils are added, it gently perfumes the room.

Boos Maple Commercial Block 10" Deep

• $767.99
• Amazon.com

Many people have asked me what's the one easiest way to make more of a small kitchen, and my answer always is to add a butcher block island if you can. Small or medium, a solid butcher block island adds warmth and functionality by extending your counter space and giving you a central point to work off of in every direction. I cannot argue for one enough. :)

This one above is my own and it's a fave, having lived in two apartments (this pic is in my old). It's super heavy and solid with a tiny footprint. I plan to have it my whole life. Order it via Amazon and you're likely to get free shipping, which is awesome because this thing is heavy.

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