Biomass

While we use around five trillion plastic bags every year, disposable alternatives aren't that much better. A group of scientists, however, want us to rethink the humble paper bag, making it super strong, durable and a handy source of biofuel.

Casio's Pro Trek multi-function sports watch line has gone a bit greener with the introduction of the PRW-61, which features a case, case back, and strap made out of biomass plastics derived from castor seeds, corn, and similar raw materials.

So far as feedstocks for the production of biofuels go, kelp is a highly promising one on many fronts, and a new technology promises to boost its credentials even further by maximizing its exposure to both sunlight and nutrients.

​​Almost seven years after introducing its clever wooden stove that generates its own power, BioLite has given its low-emission campsite cooker a makeover. The CampStove 2 also runs purely on wood but features an onboard battery to use the power at a later date.

This "bio-digital" structure sees fluid filled with microalgae organisms pumped around an otherwise transparent shelter to produce dynamic shade, energy in the form of biomass, and an impressive amount of oxygen, while responding to the presence of visitors to produce interesting visual effects.

The ACE 1 stove from African Clean Energy combines elements of solar and biomass power to offer an eco-friendly cooking solution that also charges electronic devices. The stove is a cooking/charging solution for connected campers, developing nations and remote, off-grid dwellers.

Spanish scientists have invented a more efficient system for collecting dead seaweed from beaches, for use in power plants.